The AFP is inviting people to get quizzical about what a job in law enforcement could look like through a new online Career Finder that aims to turn clicks into careers.
Designed to match people with their ideal AFP role, the quiz poses 10 questions across preferences such as problem-solving, motivation and teamwork.
These help to produce a recommended area of the AFP for the quiz taker to consider.
With more than 200 different roles across 40-plus job streams, the end result could be something you've never even heard of, from crypto investigator or geospatial officer to librarian or chemical criminalist.
AFP Recruitment Manager Jodie McEwan said the quiz took only a few minutes and could open eyes up to a lifetime of career opportunities, noting it also served to showcase the incredible scope and diversity of opportunities.
"The AFP's mission is to protect Australians and Australia's interests, but there are myriad ways to be part of that, across both sworn and unsworn roles," Ms McEwan said.
"If you dream of adventure, a role as a Protective Service Officer can take you to places as far flung as Pine Gap and Geraldton or as prestigious as Parliament House.
"If travel is in your blood, working in the Pacific with the ocean as your office backdrop could be a perfect alignment.
"We also have some of the world's least boring desk jobs, linking together intelligence and analysis to help bring offenders to justice.
"Then, of course, there are our canine teams, made up not only of handlers and trainers, but also the kennel handlers who keep the dogs healthy and hungry for action.
"It really is a case of sparking imagination and increasing awareness around a role with the AFP, and at a time when a safe, secure and meaningful job has never been more appealing."
Ms McEwan said the idea to tap into tech for recruitment was about connecting to everyday Australians in the most modern of ways and through a much-loved past-time.
"From the Sunday papers to online personality tests, everyday Australians love a quiz," she said.
"And with Career Finder, rather than ending up simply with a score out of 10, you end up with a potentially life-changing and dream-making employment pathway."
Career Finder is an excellent showcase of the AFP's investment and commitment to innovation.
To take the quiz, visit https://www.afp.gov.au/afp-career-finder
How Career Finder works
1. The quiz does not ask you to supply your email address or mobile phone number.
2. There are no right or wrong answers. Each question helps to identify a recommended area of the AFP.
3. At the end of the 10 questions, you're immediately shown a profile of an area of the AFP, complete with details of specific positions.
4. If you want to find out more about working for the AFP, head to https://careers.afp.gov.au/current-vacancies
IN FOCUS: Ben Marshall, AFP Forensic Search and Imagery Specialist
Members of the AFP's Forensic Command support ACT, national and international policing with roles that stretch from crime scenes, computers and chemicals to Victim ID, and weapons and technical intelligence.
The command evolves with technology, and the AFP remains at the cutting edge in locating the illicit treasure troves of criminals across Australia.
Ben Marshall is a member of one of the AFP's fastest-growing capabilities, the Forensic Search and Imagery Team.
Using a range of radars, scanners and detectors, they can locate items buried underground, concealed within concrete or solid objects, and even underwater.
The AFP Forensic Search and Imagery Team has played a significant role in some of the country's most high-profile investigations, including Operation Ironside, and significant money laundering investigations.
As the AFP launches its Career Finder Quiz spotlighting the 200+ roles available across the agency, Ben shares his own journey.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
I always wanted to work in forensics. It was my dream job, and I found the stories, audiobooks and crime shows around the application of Forensics to assist with investigations fascinating.
I was a kid who struggled to pay attention to anything for prolonged periods of time, but anytime I was reading, watching or listening to anything about crime and the application of forensics, I had no distractions and was totally invested.
Tell us about your role in the AFP
I joined the team with Imagery and Geomatics, which was the former name of Forensic Search and Imagery.
I am also a member of our Disaster Victim Identification cohort, which is readily deployable to incidents both on and offshore to assist in mass casualty incidents.
What has been your greatest accomplishment in your role?
My largest find was 247kg of cocaine concealed within the hull of a yacht up in Townsville, but my most passionate finds are always the smallest and most well-concealed electronic devices at some of the AFP's child protection search warrants.
What do you love most about your job?
I love that in my role we are often able to provide immediate support through cutting-edge technology to achieve instant success, which can often result in an arrest or successful prosecution due to locating a pivotal piece of evidence.
This evidence can be electronic, resulting in removing a child from further harm, or a firearm, potentially mitigating someone being harmed. I also love being able to support and be involved in the large-scale operations. We deploy frequently with the AFP canines, and who doesn't love working side-by-side with them.
What would be your advice to someone thinking of joining AFP forensics?
Everyone's journey is different, so don't underestimate the skills you learn prior to joining the AFP. Whether it be customer service skills working in retail (I worked at a supermarket) or professional experience from another background, these are often transferable into our roles.
Forensics supports investigators, so communication and an ability to negotiate are essential. Most importantly is being able to work within a team, as having each other's backs is vital to achieving success.
CASE STUDY: Operation AVARUS FROST
AFP Forensic Search and Imagery helped investigators locate illicit cash, cocaine and methamphetamine (more on this operation can be found here).
The team used specialised scanning equipment to identify three remote-controlled compartments hidden within the rear of a vehicle.
Within the hidden compartments, investigators then located about $100,000 in cash, and methamphetamine and cocaine.
Vision of the arrest and officers deconstructing the car with hidden compartments is available via .
CASE STUDY: Operation AVARUS SOULSTORM
Forensic Search and Imagery was deployed during an AFP search warrant in Sydney in 2022 as part of Operation Avarus Soulstorm.
AFP investigators suspected a significant amount of cash was hidden inside the property, but could not locate it.
The FSI Team used their expertise and specialised technology to identify a void space in the floor directly beneath a religious shrine within the home.
Upon closer inspection, it was identified there was damage to the wooden areas of the shrine and markings, indicating some pieces had been repeatedly removed and replaced before.
Investigators found bundles of illicit cash hidden underneath the shrine within the floor.
Investigators located and seized about $2.6 million in cash, along with mobile phones, SIM cards, a large number of debit and credit cards, and cash-counting machines.
Images of the search warrant, religious shrine and cash seized are available via here.
