The AFP has welcomed new recruits to its ranks, with 27 new members officially commencing their careers in Sydney, following their graduation.
The 14 women and 13 men aged between 21 and 34 and all based in Sydney successfully completed the Federal Police Development Program (FPDP) on 23 September 2022. The 25-week program has equipped the new members with the skills and knowledge to perform as police constables in the AFP.
The recruits have boosted the capacity of a number of AFP teams in Sydney, including in transnational crime, money laundering, airport policing and the National Operations State Service Centre (NOSSC).
AFP Commander Foundational Development and Learning Allison Buck said a number of new initiatives were developed for this program including that for the first time, towards the completion of the training program, recruits were sworn-in as special members to operate as police, under supervision.
AFP Commander Operations and Support Brett James said this gave the recruits the opportunity to hit the ground running after they were officially sworn in as Constables.
"The recruits were able to gain valuable operational insight into the complex systems and processes of the AFP, while surrounded by a wealth of experience in the members supervising them," Commander James said.
"The on the job training proved to be very successful and the AFP will continue to look at different approaches to continue to attract recruits from a variety of backgrounds and experiences."
With the program delivered predominantly in Sydney, the recruits all had the option to commute each day from their homes, providing flexibility while they undertook their training.
New AFP Constable Lawrence Pal said he had always wanted to become a police officer.
"I feel like it's a great career where you can give back to the community and make a positive difference," Constable Pal said.
"I chose to become an AFP police officer because it is such a unique police force with a big global footprint.
"The program was challenging but very rewarding. We had amazing trainers that guided us throughout the entire process."
More than 170 police and protective service officer recruits have graduated from various programs so far this year.
