Women in the AFP - Leanne Close, Deputy Chief Police Officer, ACT Policing
But success doesn't follow a script. It comes from the hard work and diligence of people like Leanne Close.
"I remember one investigation we were involved in was like being in a scene from Silence of the Lambs," Leanne said.
"We were doing a search of a house and it was pitch black. We stumbled across a big meat locker and there was an awful smell and we weren't quite sure what we would find."
Fortunately there were no gruesome discoveries in what turned out to be a straightforward fraud investigation, but the experience certainly had Leanne's adrenalin pumping.
Not every task Leanne has tackled in her 20 years in the AFP has had that level of tension, but there has certainly been plenty of variety and job satisfaction.
Leanne has worked on major fraud and narcotics investigations and was in charge of a successful operation which cracked a major drug importation ring.
"That was very satisfying, not only because we netted several kilos of drugs, but the terrific cooperation with other state and territory police forces. Those we arrested all pleaded guilty because we had such a good case."
As well as fraud and drug investigations, Leanne's career has covered internal investigations, legal work, communications, and a stint with the Australian Securities Investment Commission. She also spent six years at the AFP College.
"That was a whole new career in itself, working in education within a policing context. It also gave me the chance to study."
More recently she has worked in intelligence, surveillance and the Territory Investigation Group, looking into major assaults, murders, drug crimes and fraud.
The jobs are challenging, but Leanne thrives on being able to help people, especially the victims of crime and their families.
"Knowing you've helped people and their families through an ordeal is rewarding and makes it all worthwhile," she said.
Her own family is very important and Leanne has been able to find a balance between work and home life.
"When I first joined I thought I'd stay in AFP for only five years, then get married and have children and leave the organisation—but the job gets in your blood. Thankfully I've been able to find the family-work balance with a supportive husband. We juggle our timetables around our 11-year-old daughter."
Leanne has come full circle back and is now Deputy Chief Police Officer for ACT Policing.
"I've enjoyed every single role I've had and learned from each one," she said.
There have been many role models and mentors who have guided her along the way.
"They are who make the AFP what it is—dedicated people who want to help the community. It's such a fantastic organisation to work in and it offers so many opportunities. You can specialise if you want to, or study or go overseas. The opportunities are boundless once you know the basics of policing."