What is a Police Protection Direction?

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How they work and your legal options explained

Police can issue a Police Protection Direction (PPD) to help protect a person experiencing violence (the aggrieved) from violence perpetrated by another person (the respondent). A PPD may name other people who need protection, for example, children or other relatives.

A PPD is an official document police can issue in response to a domestic violence incident. A PPD has immediate effect and will be in place for 12 months. The person perpetrating violence must follow its conditions.

Unlike other domestic violence orders or Police Protection Notices, there is no court date after the PPD is made.

What is domestic and family violence?

Domestic violence includes threats or acts of violence and behaviour that is controlling or causes fear. For more information about what may be considered domestic and family violence, please visit our website or refer to our brochure ‘How do I get a domestic violence protection order’.

When can police issue a PPD?

Police can issue a PPD in response to a domestic violence incident if:

• they reasonably believe that the respondent has committed domestic violence
• a PPD is necessary or desirable to protect the aggrieved
• a domestic violence protection order would not be more appropriate
• none of the exclusions listed in the next section apply. Before issuing the PPD, police must try to find the respondent and talk to them about issuing the PPD.

They must give a copy of the PPD to the aggrieved, respondent and any other people named.

When will the police not issue a PPD?

A PPD cannot be issued (an exclusion applies) if:

• the aggrieved or respondent are a child or a police officer
• there is already a current or expired protection order or PPD
• the respondent has been convicted of a domestic violence offence in the last two years or there are any outstanding charges for domestic violence offences
• there is a current application for a protection order against the respondent
• the respondent used or threatened to use a weapon
• police are not sure which person most needs protection.

If you think a PPD has been issued when one of the exclusions apply, please get legal advice.

Who can be protected by a PPD?

A PPD will protect the aggrieved, any named persons (including children) and can include an unborn child if the aggrieved is pregnant.

What conditions can be added to a PPD?

A PPD will say that the respondent must be of good behaviour towards the aggrieved or anyone named. It can also include conditions to stop the respondent from approaching, contacting or locating the aggrieved.

What happens if the PPD is not followed?

Once the PPD is in place there are consequences if the respondent does not follow the conditions of the PPD. If this happens, call the police immediately. The police will investigate and decide whether to charge the respondent with contravening the PPD.

How can I change a PPD?

Once issued by the police officer, a PPD is in place for 12 months.

You can ask for the PPD to be changed by:

1. applying for a court review in a Magistrates Court
2. requesting a police review.

Court review in a Magistrates Court

An application for court review can be filed by the aggrieved, respondent, or other authorised person.

The police will prepare and file documents in response to the application for a review.

A magistrate will consider the application and can confirm the PPD, order that it ends on a certain day, or decide to make a protection order for up to 5 years.

The PPD remains in effect during the review period unless the court makes a different order.

Police review

You can apply for a police review of a PPD if you are the respondent or the aggrieved (or someone they authorise). A named person can seek a review about the decision to name them in a PPD or a condition that relates to them.

Police may also review the PPD if they become aware of new information that was not considered at the time the PPD was issued.

After a police review, the PPD can be confirmed, revoked, or amended to add or remove conditions. If the police revoke the PPD they may also choose to file an Application for a Protection Order or issue a Police Protection Notice.

The PPD is in effect during the review process. A police review application must be lodged within 28 days of when the PPD is served on the respondent.

How can Legal Aid Quensland help me?

Legal Aid provides free legal information, referrals and advice for Queenslanders. You can access this service by calling 1300 65 11 88 (local call cost from a landline anywhere in Queensland). Legal Aid Queensland has

specialist lawyers who can help you understand your rights and represent you in court if you are eligible for legal aid.

You can ask the domestic violence duty lawyer to help you at court with legal advice and in some cases representation.

How do I apply for Legal Aid?

You need to complete an application form, which you can get from our offices throughout Queensland or from our website www.legalaid.qld.gov.au. Your application is more likely to succeed if you get legal advice before you apply.

Is your help confidential?

Yes. Our services are confidential and we are committed to protecting your privacy. We will not provide your personal information or details about your legal problem to anyone, unless we are legally required to.

Do you need extra help accessing our services?

We are committed to providing accessible services to Queenslanders from all culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. If you would like this publication explained in your language, please phone the Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50 to speak to an interpreter. Ask them to connect you to Legal Aid Queensland on 1800 998 980.

If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment you can contact us using the National Relay Service. Visit www.accesshub.gov.au and ask for 1800 998 980 (our legal information line). These are free services.

Last updated 10 December 2025