Statement AFP’s undercover program
Statement attributable to AFP Deputy Commissioner Ian McCartney
The AFP’s undercover program (UCP) is an effective, proven and necessary function of the AFP.
The AFP’s UCP was established in 2002, and members are deployed domestically and internationally to progress criminal investigations to help protect Australians and Australia’s interests.
The members who undertake these duties are frankly some of Australia’s unsung heroes. They put their lives on hold and they risk their lives to help bring some of the most dangerous criminals to justice – and often the public can never know about their exemplary service to their country.
Because of their duties, recruitment of UCP members is rigorous and requires a number of steps, including psychometric testing and ongoing psychological support, specific training; support networks and rigorous and regular reviews. While the details of how the UCP operates are sensitive, processes and practices are robust.
Separately, Project Bulwark has been long-established to support all members, including undercover members, who have a direct or implied threat as a direct result of their duties. This is an important project because it ensures the AFP has an accurate understanding of threats against our members, whether real or perceived, to ensure all associated risks are mitigated.
In late 2019, there was a change of leadership at the AFP.
Commissioner Reece Kershaw was appointed, and I was appointed to Deputy Commissioner.
Two significant reviews of the UCP were then initiated by the AFP.
One in 2020, which was a comprehensive, standalone review, focussed on the UCP’s leadership, structure, capability and welfare. The reviewer obtained insights from the majority of staff in the UCP and also extensively asked state and territory police and international partners about their views of the AFP’s UCP.
From that review, a board was established, comprising of international and national law enforcement experts - the first of its kind for the AFP. It was appointed to oversee the implementation of reforms recommended by the review. The board continues to meet. It is relevant to note that some law enforcement agencies represented on the board and overseeing the implementation of the AFP’s UCP reforms, are now adopting some of those reforms for their own agencies.
Reforms being implemented by the AFP include:
- The creation of a dedicated intelligence team to support UCP operations with timely and appropriate intelligence assessments;
- Reviewing and updating all governance to ensure members are better supported; and
- Significantly boosting resources and support to the UCP, to ensure members are not over worked and have time to rest before their next operation.
Secondly, a review of Project Bulwark was undertaken this year to ensure it remains fit-for-purpose and agile. Project Bulwark remains a cornerstone of ensuring our members are safe.
Regardless of whether there are real or implied threats to members, the AFP does not take any chances. In 2022, the AFP conducted site security assessments and implemented a comprehensive suite of physical security measures at each member’s residence who had a threat or believed they were at risk of threat. The security boost can cost tens of thousands of dollars for each residence.
They are monitored by the AFP’s National Operations State Service Centre, which is supported by state and territory law enforcement agencies.
I want to be clear. We take the safety of our undercover members extremely seriously. It is a priority that is never compromised. In fact, many experienced members, who oversee the undercover program, some of who have been undercover members themselves, are fully aware of the dangers these members face. Nothing is taken for granted. Protective measures are applied to current and former members tailored to their individual security requirements.
To this point, the AFP’s UCP has a proven track record in ensuring the safety of UCP members, and other members more broadly, during and after operational deployments.
While policing can be extremely rewarding, it can also take a toll, including on mental health – not just for members but also their families.
For that reason, the AFP also delivers specific support to members and families through the undercover program and SHIELD, which provides psychological support from qualified experts who are experienced in treating police officers and their families. They also have access to the AFP’s Chaplaincy services and Welfare Officer Network.
As best practices change, the AFP continues to ensure it improves and protects all members, including those who are undercover members.
It is in the interest of the AFP and our members to have the best undercover program of any law enforcement jurisdiction. The AFP is only strong and effective as the people who wear the uniform outwardly or in a more covert form. They are also supported every day by those who don’t wear the uniform. The AFP is a small agency of fewer than 8000 people. We are family and we strive to ensure all our former and current members – regardless of the job they perform - feel supported and are safe.
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