Inside the Australian Federal Police (AFP): Your 60-Second Guide to Landing Your Dream Role 🚀
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the Australian Federal Police (AFP)? We’ve sifted through their latest annual report so you don’t have to! In this quickfire overview, you’ll discover key facts about the AFP—from its core mission and financials to the top skills and experiences they look for in new recruits. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a fresh graduate, this guide will help you navigate your path toward a fulfilling government career. Read on to see why the AFP might be the perfect next step for you!
AT-A-GLANCE
Name of Department / Council: Australian Federal Police (AFP)
Location: Headquartered in Barton, ACT, operating across Australia and internationally
CEO (Commissioner): Reece P. Kershaw APM
Total Revenue: Approximately AUD 1.919 billion in 2023–24 (combining government appropriation and own-source revenue)
Total Number of Employees: 8,082 (as at 30 June 2024)
THE QUALIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 Academic Qualifications Most Suited
Criminology or Justice Studies – Builds a robust understanding of criminal justice systems, ideal for investigative or intelligence roles.
Cybersecurity or Information Technology – Critical for tackling online crime and securing digital infrastructure.
Law (LLB or JD) – Equips you with a solid grasp of legal frameworks and policy for complex cases.
Accounting or Finance – Essential for tracing and investigating financial crimes and money laundering.
Psychology or Social Sciences – Enhances victim support skills, interviewing techniques, and insights into offender behavior.
Top 5 Certifications Most Suited
Certificate IV in Government Investigations – Provides foundational investigative techniques suitable for public sector roles.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) – Highly regarded for cybercrime detection and prevention.
Project Management Professional (PMP) – Helps in coordinating multi-layered police operations.
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) – Strengthens your ability to identify, assess, and investigate financial crimes.
Diploma of Policing or Public Safety – Offers a grounding in core policing practices relevant across AFP functions.
Top 5 Trades / Professions Most Suited
IT and Network Technicians – Essential for digital evidence analysis and cyber intelligence.
Electricians and Electronics Technicians – Assist with specialist surveillance and communications technology.
Logistics and Supply Chain Managers – Coordinate complex operational deployments.
Construction / Facilities Management Professionals – Provide expertise for security infrastructure and facility oversight.
Aviation Professionals (Pilots, Mechanics) – Support border surveillance, air operations, and specialist teams.
Top 5 Skills Most Suited
Soft Skills:
Communication & Negotiation – Vital for de-escalating situations and engaging different stakeholders.
Empathy & Emotional Intelligence – Improves rapport with victims, the community, and government partners.
Technical Skills:
Digital Forensics – Crucial for uncovering and interpreting digital evidence.
Data Analysis – Key to evidence-based policing and strategic decision-making.
General Skills:
Problem-Solving – Enables creative and swift responses to complex challenges.
Project Coordination – Ensures effective planning and execution of major operations.
Research & Policy Writing – Essential for clear reporting and continual improvement in policing strategies.
Top 5 Work Experiences Most Suited
Law Enforcement or Military – Provides valuable operational experience and discipline.
Financial Services (Banking, Audit) – Ideal for investigating fraud and financial misconduct.
Public Service or Policy Roles – Helps in navigating government structures and legislative requirements.
Security Industry – Develops threat assessment and protective services expertise.
Customer-Facing Roles – Sharpens communication, conflict resolution, and negotiation abilities.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Australian Federal Police (AFP)
Name of CEO (Commissioner): Reece P. Kershaw APM
Location: Operates Australia-wide and in 34 countries
Year Founded: 1979, established under the Australian Federal Police Act 1979 (Cth)
Main Mission and Purpose: To protect Australians and Australia’s interests by leading national policing efforts to combat crime and security threats
Example: AFP teams work around the clock to prevent drug trafficking, safeguarding communities across the nation.
Main Duties:
Investigate transnational crimes (e.g., illicit drug trafficking, financial crimes)
Protect high-profile officials, embassies, and key infrastructure
Collaborate with state/territory and international partners for global security
Example: Joint operations seize multiple tonnes of illegal substances each year, reducing harm in Australian communities.
Key Projects, Strategic Priorities, Future Plans:
Cybercrime & Digital Forensics: Heightening digital capabilities to fight online crime.
Global Partnerships: Working closely with partner agencies to disrupt transnational criminal networks.
Recruitment Drives: Hiring more police officers and protective service officers to bolster national security.
Did You Know? In 2023–24, the AFP seized 31.3 tonnes of illicit drugs and precursors, striking a major blow against organized crime .
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: 8,082
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level: The AFP uses broad pay bands (Band 1–8, Executive levels, and Senior Executive Service).
Salary Bands: Ranging from AUD 53,643 at Band 1 to AUD 442,900 at the SES level .
Average Salary in the Department: Varies by role and experience; many positions also offer additional allowances.
Total Revenue: About AUD 1.919 billion in 2023–24
Average Revenue per Employee: Roughly AUD 237,000 (total revenue divided by total employees).
GETTING A JOB AT THE AFP
Which Academic Subjects Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Certificate IV in Government Investigations, Diploma in Justice Studies or Policing – Solid entry-level pathways into public sector compliance and law enforcement.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Law, Criminology, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Psychology – These disciplines give you a strategic edge in tackling emerging policing challenges.
PhDs:
Research in Complex Crime, Forensic Science, Artificial Intelligence – Innovations at this level can significantly impact the AFP’s strategic and operational capabilities.
Which Trades and Professions?
Electricians, Plumbers, Construction Managers – Vital for secure facility management and technical surveillance installations.
Aviation Mechanics, Pilots, IT Professionals – Support specialized air operations, digital evidence management, and advanced forensics.
Which Work Experiences?
Law Enforcement, Military, Intelligence – Cultivates discipline and high-pressure decision-making skills.
Corporate Roles (Banking, Consulting) – Ideal for fraud detection, project management, and policy reform.
Customer-Facing or Service Roles – Builds empathy, negotiation, and communication expertise.
Which Skills?
Soft Skills: Communication, empathy, resilience
Technical Skills: Digital forensics, cybersecurity, data analytics
General Skills: Stakeholder engagement, critical thinking, adaptability
Which Hobbies and Interests Align?
Sports and Fitness: Maintains physical readiness for operational tasks.
Community Volunteering: Demonstrates compassion and teamwork—highly valued in policing cultures.
Tech Enthusiasm (Coding, Gaming): Reflects adaptability to new and evolving digital challenges.
WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THIS DEPARTMENT?
Contact the Department
Address: Edmund Barton Building, 47 Kings Avenue, Barton, ACT 2600, Australia
Telephone: (02) 5126 0000
Email: afpannualreport@afp.gov.au
Website: afp.gov.au
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DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information, including annual reports. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information on this article. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this article.