AFP logo at EBB Canberra

Our Lateral Program

We want the best and brightest. If you're a state or territory police officer, consider joining us
About us Roles at the AFP Work with us
On this page

Overview

Take the next step in your policing career. Enjoy rewarding, challenging work in one of the most adaptive, effective and advanced police forces in the world.

A career with us can take you around Australia and the world, doing work that's critical to keep all Australians safe. It's an agency like no other.

Current and recent operational police officers working with Australian state or territory forces can apply for our Lateral Program. If you want to keep your state or territory detective designation, you'll need to meet the AFP guidelines for detectives. Apply to the National Designation and Rank Endorsement Panel via AFP Learning and Development, outlining your claims.

As an AFP officer, you'll help protect Australia and Australians from serious threats, such as:

  • child exploitation
  • cybercrime
  • serious and organised crime
  • terrorism.

As a police officer with us, you'll play critical role in ensuring we stay ahead of global criminal networks. You'll:

  • work on long and complex investigations, often with international partners
  • use information and evidence to determine the appropriate law-enforcement response
  • interview suspects and witnesses
  • collect, prepare and present evidence
  • work with prosecution agencies, attend court and give evidence
  • have the chance to work with multidisciplinary teams across various roles.

You'll be based in our Canberra headquarters or one of our offices around Australia. You may also have a chance to work in one of the 33 countries where we operate.

Meet our people through their stories.

Application process

Step 1 - Check your eligibility

Eligibility

The Lateral Program welcomes Australian state or territory officers with at least 3 years of operational policing experience who haven't been out of a policing role for more than 5 years.

You'll be expected to hold a Diploma of Public Safety (Policing) or equivalent and have strong experience in criminal investigation. 

You must also:

  • be an Australian citizen
  • meet our character standards
  • have and maintain a Negative Vetting 1 security clearance
  • hold current first aid and CPR certifications
  • be able to swim 100 m freestyle.

Apart from mandatory qualifications and certificates, you'll be:

  • driven by an intelligent, problem-solving approach to tackling serious crime
  • willing to constantly adapt and learn to overcome problems
  • self-motivated and willing to deploy to any area of the AFP
  • physically fit and healthy.

We will look favourably on your application if you have demonstrated experience in a specialised field, such as:

Step 2 - Apply online

Apply

Apply online through our Jobs portal.

As part of your application, you'll need to:

  • upload your resume
  • upload your proof of Australian citizenship
  • upload your driver's licence
  • upload your COVID-19 vaccination certificate
  • upload your traffic history
  • provide relevant education certificates and qualifications.
Step 3 - Assessments and checks

Assessments and checks

You'll need to:

You may also need to address your experience and skills through either or both:

  • a one-on-one online interview
  • a panel interview with experienced AFP officers.

The recruitment process can sometimes take more than a year. It depends on your preferred role type, deployment preference and time to complete assessments.

Find out more about how to apply for a job with us.

Step 4 - Compulsory training

Training

Compulsory Federal Police Lateral Program (FPLP) training is delivered at the AFP College in Canberra.

You'll earn a base salary during training. We'll provide all meals and accommodation, at our college or nearby.

Training lasts for up to 10 weeks. It's a combination of:

  • classroom learning
  • practical topics, such as use-of-force and driver training
  • practical scenarios for learning and assessment
  • individual and group activities.

We hold an FPLP course each year, depending on operational requirements.

Benefits and conditions

We offer a competitive salary recognising your operational policing experience, including management. Your starting band will depend on how long you have worked in your state or territory police force.

For example:

  • 3 years of experience = Band 3.3 ($72,673 annual base salary plus 15.4% superannuation)
  • 10 years of experience = Band 4.5 ($92,243 annual base salary plus 15.4% superannuation)
  • 15+ years of experience = Band 5.1 to 5.3 ($92,243 to $99,929 annual base salary plus 15.4% superannuation).

Other benefits include:

  • a 22% composite allowance on top of your salary (dependent on work area placement)
  • clear salary progression under the AFP Enterprise Agreements
  • 6 weeks of paid annual leave per year (plus additional Christmas stand-down), with options to purchase more leave, take leave at half pay, or cash out leave
  • 4 mandatory rest days per year
  • 18 days of paid personal leave per year
  • 16 weeks of paid maternity leave after 12 months of service for each pregnancy, and an extra 36 weeks of maternity leave without pay
  • 15.4 per cent superannuation, including during all periods of maternity leave
  • 40-hour working week with the option of flexible working arrangements.

Other benefits include paid domestic and family violence leave, paid long-service leave, and provisions for adoption leave and compassionate leave. We'll also recognise your prior policing service for long service leave, as long as you haven't had a break in service longer than 12 months.

Learn more about our benefits and conditions.

Previous Next

Get in touch

AFP Recruitment

You can contact us by phone from Monday to Friday 8 am to 4 pm Canberra time.

+61 2 5127 2555
afprecruitment@afp.gov.au
Content type