Our organisation
On this page:
Our role and function
The AFP's role is to enforce Commonwealth criminal law, contribute to combating complex, transnational, serious and organised crime impacting Australia's national security and to protect Commonwealth interests from criminal activity in Australia and overseas. The AFP also has responsibility for providing policing services to the Australian Capital Territory and Australia's territories, including Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Norfolk Island and Jervis Bay.
The AFP works closely with a range of other law enforcement and government agencies at state, territory, Commonwealth and international levels, enhancing safety and providing a secure regional and global environment.
- See the AFP Corporate Plan for more detailed information.
Our priorities
The AFP's priorities are informed by the Ministerial Direction.
Areas of operational emphasis include:
- investigating complex, transnational, serious and organised crime
- protecting Australians and Australian interests from terrorism and violent extremism
- representing Australian police and law enforcement on an international level
- developing unique capabilities and exploiting advanced technology to support Australia's national interests.
Continued responsibilities include providing:
- community policing services under contracted arrangement, to the Australian Capital Territory and territories of Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Norfolk Island and Jervis Bay.
- a national protection capability to ensure the protection of specific individuals, establishments and events identified by the Australian Government as being at risk.
- a national counter-terrorism first response capability focused on aviation security and protection of critical infrastructure.
Our vision
Policing for a safer Australia.
Our mission
As Australia's national policing agency we protect Australians and Australia's interests.
What we do
- Combat complex, transnational and organised crime and terrorism
- Disrupt crime offshore and support regional security as Australia's principal
- international law enforcement representative
- Protect Australian high office holders, foreign dignitaries, Australian government infrastructure, and designated international airports
- Provide policing services to the Australian Capital Territory, Jervis Bay and Australia's external territories
Our approach
Through leadership, collaboration and innovation we:
- adapt by being intelligence-informed
- build partnerships in Australia and abroad
- drive Australia's international policing interests to combat crime
- develop leading-edge policing capabilities and knowledge
Our values
One AFP. We are ethical and values-driven, embracing diversity and inclusion. We value fairness, trust, respect, accountability, integrity, commitment and excellence, in service of the community and for each other.
- Read more about our values and culture.
