Government Security Officers

Who are government security officers and what are their powers?

Who are government security officers?

Protective security officers and senior protective security officers are people, who are not police officers, who are hired by the government to monitor state buildings and facilities.

The main purpose of security officers is to act as security guards to state buildings. At times they may also work as guards for buildings which are not state buildings.

However if they are NOT working at a STATE building they are not considered “government security officers” and only have the powers of a regular security guard – see the security guard fact sheet.

What are the powers of protective security officers?

If you are inside or within the precinct of a state building, a SENIOR protective security officer may ask:

  • Your name and address
  • Evidence of your name or address (driver’s licence, student ID card etc)
  • Your reason for being at the building.

If you provide the officer with false information, do not provide any information, do not provide any evidence of your name or address, or provide the officer with a fake ID, or an ID card that contains someone else’s details – then you will have committed an offence.

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This sheet is intended to provide general legal information about the law in Queensland. This information is not legal advice. If you have a particular legal problem you should contact a solicitor for legal advice. Below is a list of agencies that might be able to assist you, including legal agencies.

This sheet was last reviewed and updated in August 2021.  The Youth Advocacy Centre does not accept responsibility for any action or outcome because of anyone relying on the information provided.

Who can help?

Youth Advocacy Centre (YAC)
www.yac.net.au
3356 1002

Hub Community Legal 
www.hubcommunity.org.au
3372 7677

Legal Aid Queensland
www.legalaid.qld.gov.au
1300 651 188

Youth Legal Advice Hotline (Monday – Thursday 8am – 9pm; Friday 8am – Sunday 5pm)
1800 527 527

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (24hrs 7 days a week)
www.atsils.org.au
3025 3888 or (free call) 1800 012 255

Translating & Interpreting Services (24hrs)
131 450

Community Legal Centres (CLCs) see www.naclc.org.au for your nearest CLC

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