They take their job seriously but are very aware of their shortcomings and are keen to improve their skill, but do not know how to go about it. However, this very much depends on the attitude of the executive officer and the police to the court. The limited powers available to an Aboriginal court also affect its status. A similar problem exists with the Aboriginal police. They have no formal training, although they generally work under the direction of the Queensland police, who may provide some guidance and instruction.
Several factors make the present Aboriginal police system unsatisfactory.
First, the Aboriginal police are actually employed by the council, which is responsible for hiring and firing. Councils now have specific responsibility for providing uniforms but this is being implemented very unevenly. The lack of a uniform is said to affect the status of the Aboriginal police from both the community and the individual viewpoint. Secondly, family or kin relationship can make it difficult for an Aboriginal policeman to do his job. Thirdly, the relatively small size of most of the Aboriginal communities and the mix of groups from different areas also leads to tensions which make policing difficult.