Air security officers
AFP air security officers provide Australia with the ability to resolve security incidents on domestic and international flights.
These specially trained protective service officers travel on Australian commercial flights and selected international flights, providing security against the threat of hijack.
Air security officers could be on any flight. Officers are deployed in response to current threat assessments and as part of the AFP’s ongoing deterrence strategy.
Officers are trained and equipped to deal with any attempt by terrorists or other criminals to take control of an aircraft.
Air security officers are trained in negotiation skills, defensive tactics, small team techniques and specialist firearm handling. Regular training and re-qualification ensure these specialist skills are maintained to a high standard.
The AFP’s Air Security Officer Program meets international best practice.
Background
The Air Security Officer Program is part of the Federal Government’s aviation security enhancement initiative.
Air security officers began operating on Australian domestic flights in December 2001. In December 2003 the program was expanded to include International flights.
The program complements the AFP’s unified policing presence at major Australian airports. The AFP
presence at major airports enables a comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing criminality and terrorist threats in the aviation sector through:
- Airport Police Commanders, police aviation liaison officers, joint airport intelligence groups, counter-terrorist first response teams and airport uniform police at all 11 major airports.
- Joint airport investigation teams at five international airports