You can view a printable version of the Strategic Plan 2012-15 (PDF, 600KB).
Commissioner's foreword
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) operates in a dynamic and complex environment in which uncertainty will remain a key feature. The threat of organised transnational crime and terrorism, however, will remain the AFP's primary focus as the Australian Government's operational law enforcement agency.
To respond to these challenges, the AFP will continue its strong tradition of collaboration with Australian agencies and foreign partners to fight crime and disrupt it at its source. As part of this cooperation, we will assist in maintaining regional security, stability and ongoing police development through our international capacity development and peace keeping operations.
In challenging global financial circumstances, the AFP will continue to focus on the achievement of results for the Australian community consistent with our mandate under the Ministerial Direction from Government and the objectives outlined in the Portfolio Budget Statement.
To maximise the results achieved by the AFP, we will continue to commit to our core values and the seven strategic management principles that drive our decision making on a daily basis.
Our direction is reflected in our strategic priorities. These priorities show the focus of what the AFP will do to protect the Australian Community from a multitude of domestic and international threats. To this end, we will:
- prevent crime
- investigate crime
- deliver protective security
- provide community policing
- provide advice to government
- protect government revenue
- build international and regional stability
- recover the proceeds of crime
- work with domestic and international partners.
The skills and capability of our people are the centre of what we do. It is through our people that we have and will continue to deliver our diverse and internationally recognised services and outcomes. We will continue to build on our culture of innovation and agility by supporting our people with cutting edge technology, training and the 21st century tools required to succeed.
Our challenge going forward, and to which I, as Commissioner, am committed to is to harness our resources, maximise our impact, and work towards the common goals we have set for ourselves in the documents that accompany this plan.
I commend this plan to you as the overarching strategy to guide us over the next three years. It is a plan that belongs to all of us and a responsibility we share to ensure that we continue to proudly deliver effective outcomes for the Australian community.
T.W. Negus APM
Our vision: To fight crime together and win
Fighting crime includes prevention, protection and security capabilities, as well as the investigation and disruption of crime.
Our purpose
Our purpose is derived from the Australian Federal Police Act 1979, Section 8, which summarised, provides for:
- The provision of police services in relation to the ACT and Australia's external territories.
- The provision of police services in relation to laws of the Commonwealth, property of the Commonwealth (including Commonwealth places) and property of authorities of the Commonwealth, and the safeguarding of Commonwealth interests.
- The provision of police services and police support services for the purpose of assisting, or cooperating with, an Australian or foreign law enforcement agency, intelligence security agency or government regulatory agency.
- The provision of police services and police support services in relation to establishing, developing and monitoring peace, stability and security in foreign countries.
- Anything incidental or conductive to the performance of the foregoing functions or services.
Our purpose is also influenced by Ministerial Directions issued under Section 37(2) of the Act.
Our people
We are an operational agency delivering services to a broad and diverse client and stakeholder set. We deliver services and therefore the AFP's success is highly dependent on our people. As a police agency our primary focus is on operational outcomes. It is therefore incumbent on us to continually develop the capabilities of our employees.
Our structure and workforce composition has changed significantly over the last decade. Whilst this has strengthened the organisational capacity to meet its commitment to government, it also demands that workforce planning and capability development of our employees is a priority.
Our direction
Our outcome structure
In addition to our legislated purpose and Ministerial Direction, our strategic priorities are considered and formulated as part of the AFP Portfolio Budget Statement process. Our budget structure is noted below.
Outcome 1
Outcome 1 contributes to reduced criminal and security threats to Australia's economic and societal interests through cooperative policing services.
Outcome 2
Outcome 2 provides for a safe and secure environment through policing activities on behalf of the Australian Capital Territory Government.