Media Release: UN Secretary General visits AFP IDG Headquarters

Release Date: Thursday, September 08 2011, 03:53 PM

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has welcomed the visit of His Excellency Mr Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of The United Nations (UN) to their Majura facility in Canberra.

The Secretary-General visited the Canberra headquarters of the AFP’s International Deployment Group and witnessed a demonstration of the AFP’s pre-deployment training program.

The AFP’s pre-deployment training program was the first police training program accredited by the UN.

The demonstration included scenarios replicating an overseas mission, including providing security for an overseas election, and responding to a disruption and fire incited by a simulated militia attack.

The current training group features 17 members from police forces in the Pacific Islands, and three AFP members.

National Manager International Deployment Group, Assistant Commissioner Frank Prendergast, said it was an honour to host the UN Secretary General.

“It’s very humbling to have the Secretary-General visit our facility and see the pre-deployment training program in practice,” he said.

“The AFP’s very proud of the training it provides to a range of police forces from around the world. We believe this training provides officers with an ability to appropriately respond to any situation they may encounter, as well as maintaining an awareness of cultural differences and sensitivities.

“To have the UN endorse our pre-deployment training is a tremendous accolade and we look forward to continuing to provide this training for officers from around the world.”

Media enquiries

AFP National Media Team
Phone: (02) 6131 6333