Alannah - Graduate, Directions Program | Australian Federal Police

Worimi woman wearing aboriginal artefacts

I joined the AFP because it's an agency recognised for valuing its staff, their background and who they are. The AFP allows me to reconnect on so many levels. For me that is going home when I need a break, taking my shoes off, connecting to country and pressing the reset button. This really helps me on my journey working and living off country.

Alannah
Canine Training and Development

To live off country means a physical disconnect from an area which your family and culture possess a long, proud heritage - 65,000 years in some cases.

As a proud Worimi woman, Alannah knew living and working off country would be a daunting life change. She was always passionate about the justice system; she has a Bachelor of Criminal Justice and took her first job in corrections, which is where she started to see firsthand the importance of policing.

Our Directions Program presented Alannah the perfect opportunity to join the AFP and gain experience in many different areas.

Learn more about our Direction's Program for First Nations people.

I quickly realised there were so many opportunities with the AFP. In the first year I worked in 3 completely different areas of the agency. When I saw the AFP was advertising for canine handler roles I knew I had to apply. I’ve always loved dogs but didn’t know there was a career opportunity there until I applied.

Alannah
Canine Training and Development

'Best job ever' – What life is like as a professional dog lover

Many positions at the AFP have only a few prerequisites – typically, you just need to be over the age of 18 – but there is one position in particular requiring a fundamental personality trait: a love of dogs.

Alannah had this attribute in leaps and bounds, and she didn’t even know such a job existed just a few years ago.

We rely on canines to help serve and protect the community. Dogs are located across the country, made up of labradors, german shepherds, and more. Their roles vary across airport security, contraband detection, search and arrest warrant assistants, technology detection, member welfare and community engagement.

When Alannah left school she was always interested in policing and the justice system, which led her to studying criminology and secure her first full-time job in corrections. She then joined our Directions Program, which is designed for First Nation’s people to experience the range of support and specialist roles available. She is also works with our First Nations liaison unit.

It’s the best job ever. You arrive everyday to dogs who are so happy to see you. We walk them, feed them, clean them, assist with transport and vet appointments – it’s the dream to be a professional dog lover.

If you decide to join us as a police officer or protective service officer you could become a canine handler.