"The key to a successful career in the AFP is being able to analyse people and situations. Recruits need to have strong interpersonal skills. We need officers who can deal with people well and who value diversity. We also need diversity when it comes to our recruits. When you join the AFP you are not signing up for just one career—there is a whole range of roles you can take on and there are so many opportunities to grow."
Peter Henningsen, Coordinator Recruit Training
How to apply
The process for ACT Policing and Federal Agent recruits is the same. The AFP has moved to an annual intake model whereby applicants will be invited to apply once a year to be considered for positions as a base recruit in ACT Policing or as a Federal Agent. The timing of each annual intake will be based on operational requirements and notification of intakes will be advised through national and regional press advertising campaigns and through the AFP website.
Selection process
The selection process is one of the most comprehensive in Australia. It is designed to ensure you meet the AFP's requirements and can manage the challenges and demands of policing. It involves:
- completing the online application
- meeting required standards at the Employment Suitability Questionnaire
- being assessed as meeting the minimum requirements
- successfully completing the pre-entry Physical Competency Assessment
- attending an assessment centre
- having a medical examination and psychological assessment
- undergoing a urinalysis for illicit drug use
- submitting required certificates (current certified copies of a Senior First Aid Certificate and the ability to swim 100m unaided)
- completing the Federal Police Development Program – 25 week live-in program at the AFP College.