G'day sport! (how much does that annoy you ..LOL)
Having the Ex Police background is a real bonus and do not sell yourself short mate. Having this background gives you alot of skills that are transferable into a
Ppo role.
Communication skills, organisational skills, interpersonal skills to mention a few.
What you mentioned about high hostile areas is quite correct. There are alot of Ex forces...i say alot......a more accurate reflection is the market is quite possitively saturated with Ex forces not to mention Civ lads with a lot of tours and time served in the middle East.
It is a very hard market to break into with your background but i'm sure you will be okay.
Just keep at it and you will soon get 'your foot in the door'.
Best of luck.
CM