Police Protection Directions QLD (2026) | PPD Explained, Conditions, Breach & Review Rights

What Is a Police Protection Direction (PPD) in Queensland?

A Police Protection Direction (PPD) is a 12-month direction issued by police under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld).

It requires the respondent (person using violence) to:

• Be of good behaviour, and

• Not commit domestic violence against the aggrieved (victim-survivor) or any named persons

A key feature of a PPD is that it is:

• Issued by police (not a court initially)

• Does not automatically go to court

• Legally enforceable immediately

When Can Police Issue a PPD?

Police can issue a PPD on the spot when responding to a domestic violence situation.

A PPD may be issued where police reasonably believe:

• There is a relevant relationship (intimate, family, or informal care)

• Domestic violence has occurred

• The PPD is necessary or desirable to protect the aggrieved

• It is not more appropriate for the matter to go to court

• No legal exclusions apply

Police must also consider the views of the aggrieved, including whether they want the matter dealt with by a court instead.

How Long Does a PPD Last?

A Police Protection Direction:

• Starts when it is served on you, or when police explain it to you

• Remains in force for 12 months

This is significantly longer than previous police-issued protections.

What Conditions Are Included in a PPD?

Standard Conditions (Always Apply)

You must:

• Be of good behaviour towards the aggrieved and named persons

• Not commit domestic violence

• Not expose a child to domestic violence

• Not encourage or involve others in committing domestic violence

Additional Conditions (If Required)

Police may include further restrictions, such as:

• No contact conditions (calls, messages, social media)

• Ouster conditions (removal from home or certain places)

• Return conditions (limited supervised access to collect belongings)

• Cool-down conditions (temporary separation requirements)

⚠️ If a child is named, additional conditions may be limited and the matter may need to go to court instead.

What Happens If You Breach a PPD?

Breaching a Police Protection Direction is a criminal offence.

Maximum penalty:

• 120 penalty units (approx. $20,000+), or

• Up to 3 years imprisonment

Courts treat breaches very seriously, similar to breaches of Domestic Violence Orders.

When Can Police NOT Issue a PPD?

There are strict exclusions. Police cannot issue a PPD if they reasonably believe:

• Either party is a child

• Either party is a police officer

• The respondent should be taken into custody

• A DVO or interstate order already exists or previously existed

• A prior PPD has been issued

• The respondent has a DV conviction within the past 2 years

• There are ongoing court proceedings for DV or a protection order

• A weapon was used or threatened

• The situation involves mutual violence and risk cannot be assessed

• Additional protections are needed for a child

There are also restrictions where family law or child protection orders are in place.

Do PPDs Replace Police Protection Notices (PPNs)?

No.

PPDs are an additional option, not a replacement.

• PPD → Police-issued, no automatic court process

• PPN → Usually leads to a court application for a DVO

Police will choose the most appropriate response based on risk and circumstances.

What Happens If a PPD Goes to Court?

A PPD does not automatically go to court, but it can if a review is sought.

If a Court Review is filed:

• The PPD becomes a protection order application

• The Magistrates Court reassesses the situation

• The court may make a long-term Domestic Violence Order (up to 5 years)

Can You Challenge a Police Protection Direction?

Yes. There are two review options:

1. Police Review (Internal Review)

• Must be applied for within 28 days (extensions possible)

• Conducted by a more senior officer

Possible outcomes:

• Confirm the PPD

• Revoke it completely

• Replace it with a new PPD

• Replace it with a court application (DVO or PPN)

If revoked, the PPD may be treated as if it never existed.

2. Court Review

• Can be made at any time while the PPD is in force

• Heard in the Magistrates Court

The court may:

• Make a Domestic Violence Order (DVO)

• End the PPD

• Set aside the PPD (as if never issued)

• Dismiss the review (PPD continues)

The court considers current risk and circumstances, not just what happened at the time of issue.

Will a PPD Appear on Your Record?

A PPD is not a criminal conviction.

However:

• It forms part of your domestic violence history

• Breaching it results in a criminal offence

• It may impact future court proceedings

If revoked or set aside, it may be treated as though it never existed.

What Should You Do If You Are Issued a PPD?

If you are served with a Police Protection Direction:

• Read all conditions carefully

• Comply immediately

• Do not contact the aggrieved if prohibited

• Do not attend restricted locations

• Seek legal advice urgently

Early mistakes can lead to serious criminal consequences.

How a Lawyer Can Help

A criminal defence lawyer can:

• Advise whether the PPD was properly issued

• Assist with Police Review or Court Review applications

• Seek removal or variation of conditions

• Represent you in Magistrates Court

• Help you avoid breach charges

Early legal advice is critical given the 12-month duration and criminal risks.