Overview
Protection is the AFP portfolio responsible for the protection of individuals and establishments identified to be at risk by the Commonwealth. These includes Australian high office holders, foreign dignitaries, designated Commonwealth establishments within Australia and overseas and the protection of witnesses under the National Witness Protection Program.
Our mission is to provide high quality protection services through cooperation, engagement and innovation.
Roles and opportunities in protection
Protection provides opportunities for both sworn and unsworn staff of the AFP to develop specialist skills and further their careers in law enforcement. AFP Protection members are dedicated and motivated personnel operating in a dynamic security environment. AFP Protection members contribute to national security through a range of duties including:
- Uniform Protection (UP)
- Close Personal Protection (CPP)
- Witness Protection (WP)
UP roles are performed by sworn AFP Protective Service Officers (PSOs) recruited directly as protective security specialists. UP provides protective security for Commonwealth facilities and personnel at locations throughout Australia and overseas. In order to become a PSO, applicants must successfully complete a rigorous recruitment process with a number of gateways including academic and physiological suitability and fitness testing.
Selected applicants will be invited to attend a challenging thirteen (13) week residential recruit course. Training covers PSO powers, applicable law, arrest procedures, high visibility preventative and response procedures and officer safety procedures.
UP officers perform a key role in the protection of Australia's critical infrastructure, Commonwealth sites and diplomatic and consular locations. Uniform Protection officers work alongside CPP members to provide protection at commonwealth protected establishments and special events and contribute to regional stability and national security by responding to major incidents in Australia and overseas.
CPP and WP members are selected from experienced Police Officers who undertake additional specialist training to perform these roles.
CPP members provide protection to Australian high office holders and internationally protected persons whose security is deemed to be at risk by the Commonwealth. CPP members work closely with clients and partner agencies to provide a collaborative approach to planning and security provision. As a CPP member you would develop high level skills in planning, coordination and liaison which will be an asset throughout your career.
WP personnel assist in the planning, implementation and maintenance of strategies to provide participants of the National Witness Protection Program with protection and assistance. Witness Protection personnel work in an environment which is both challenging and rewarding. As a member of this team you will develop high level planning and liaison skills which enhance your future career prospects within Protection and the wider organisation.
By choosing a career within Protection you will receive training and experience that will support your career in a strong team environment. Protection provides a working environment in which personnel are challenged to develop themselves and their roles.