How to become a Police Officer - Australian Federal Police

Police officers working for the Australian Federal Police (AFP) are responsible for policing federal law in all states and territories, and for community policing in the ACT and Australia's external territories. The AFP, with its headquarters located in Canberra, is Australia's international law enforcement and policing agency. It is the chief source of advice to the Australian Government on policing issues, enforces Commonwealth criminal law and protects Commonwealth and national interests.

Personal requirements for a Police Officer - Australian Federal Police

Of sound character
At least 18 years of age
Hold a drivers licence
Able to satisfy medical and fitness requirements
Australian citizenship
Strong sense of leadership
Understanding yet confident
Good communication skills
Great decision making skills

Education & Training for a Police Officer - Australian Federal Police

To become a police officer (AFP) you usually have to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, or complete Year 10 plus a trade certificate. Tertiary qualifications may add to your competitiveness and, wherever possible, the AFP seeks to recruit graduates from a wide range of disciplines, not limited to law, justice or criminology studies.To get into the degree courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Institutions have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.Successful applicants complete 24 weeks of training at the AFP College in Barton, ACT. Recruits complete a further 12 months of on-the-job training.

Additional information

To join the AFP, applicants must pass aptitude, medical and psychometric tests, as well as security checks, a fitness test and a selection assessment. Applicants must hold a Provide First Aid Certificate and be able to swim 100 metres unaided.

Duties & Tasks of a Police Officer - Australian Federal Police

Australian Federal Police Officers:

Investigate and prosecute offences committed against the Commonwealth in areas such as organised, corporate and computer crime; environmental offences; drug trafficking; fraud; counterfeiting and terrorism
Confiscate proceeds of crime when an offender is convicted
Carry out VIP and diplomatic protection duties as directed
Protect police witnesses and investigate the unlawful disclosure of government information and official corruption
Work in joint operations with state and territory police
Liaise with other police forces and crime prevention institutions to combat international crime
Contribute to United Nations activities such as peacekeeping and international aid programs
Undertake clerical and administrative duties.

Tasks

Investigating accidents, crimes, minor offences and citizens' complaints, gathering evidence, and pursuing, arresting and interviewing suspected offenders
Protecting witnesses and investigating official corruption
Maintaining public order and safety
Securing and examining scenes of crimes and accidents to locate and obtain evidence for analysis
Providing advice and assistance to victims of crime and their families
Patrolling assigned areas to minimise potential for public disturbance and crime
Attending community meetings and answering inquiries from the public where necessary
Directing and re-routing traffic at congested areas
Maintaining records and preparing reports
Investigating and prosecuting offences committed in areas such as organised, corporate and computer crime, environmental offences, drug trafficking, fraud, counterfeiting and terrorism
Testing persons suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs and issuing infringement notices for traffic offences

Working conditions for a Police Officer - Australian Federal Police

Australian Federal Police officers work shifts. Their duties vary from team to team. They are required to serve anywhere in Australia, or in the Australian territories of Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Jervis Bay, and be willing to move with the job depending on operational requirements.

Employment Opportunities for a Police Officer - Australian Federal Police

Appointment to the AFP is based on merit, and recruits have the opportunity to seek employment in all states and territories of Australia. Overseas postings are also available. Recruits may be employed for duties as plain-clothed Federal Agents, or as uniformed officers in community policing in the ACT.In addition to performing a variety of duties, recruits have the opportunity to gain experience in specialised policing roles (both uniformed and plain-clothed), as well as the chance to collaborate with national and international law enforcement agencies.Entry is highly competitive. Job opportunities depend on the level of government funding and technological change in areas such as communication, computer technology, surveillance equipment, data collection and forensic services. The AFP is an equal opportunity employer and has an Indigenous recruitment and career development strategy.

Specializations

Police Officer - Australian Federal Police

Average age
40
Future Growth
Decline
Gender Share
25% female
Average full-time
43 hours
Weekly Pay
$2,422
Skill level rating
High skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
94%
Employment Size
66,000
Employment by state
ACT: 2.2%
NSW: 28.9%
NT: 2.3%
QLD: 21.2%
SA: 8.2%
TAS: 2.1%
VIC: 24.0%
WA: 11.0%
Age brackets
15-19: 0.2%
20-24: 4%
25-34: 27.8%
35-44: 33.9%
45-54: 26.8%
55-59: 5.9%
60-64: 1.2%
65 and Over: 0.3%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 44.1%
Bachelor degree: 22.1%
Below Year 10: 0%
Certificate III/IV: 8.6%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 6.4%
Year 10 and below: 1.8%
Year 11: 2.2%
Year 12: 14.9%
Years 11 & 10: 1.2%