The AFP has welcomed 66 new members into its ranks at its biggest graduation ceremony in more than a decade yesterday (15 December, 2023), at Parliament House in Canberra.
The recruits include 15 members from the Protective Service Officer (PSO) Program, 25 from the Federal Police Development Program and 26 from the Federal Police Transition Program.
The 66-strong group join more than 800 other members of the community who commenced with the AFP this year, many of whom have been deployed to roles across the country and the globe.
AFP stations and offices across Australia look forward to welcoming these latest recruits, with each bringing a unique skillset and diverse experience.
These latest recruits range in age from 19 to 53, with some coming straight from school, others bringing decades of police experience and many coming from trades or corporate roles.
PSO Gerald Lefurgy was among the 15 members to graduate from the latest PSO course and decided to join the AFP after seeing the range of opportunities the role provided.
"Coming from state police, I saw the AFP as an agency that offered so many fantastic opportunities across the country," PSO Lefurgy said.
"I wanted in on those opportunities and I had the chance to apply, so I just threw myself into it and haven't looked back since.
"Every aspect of my recruit journey has been incredible - even the hard parts - I couldn't single out one single thing to me that stood out.
"We received so much support every step of the way. There was so much comradery among the recruits, everyone was always eager to help each other out and the instructors never left anyone behind."
PSO Jordan Moore said the opportunities, flexibility and work-life balance prompted him to become a PSO.
"Joining the AFP gives people a great variety of work. You might end up being stationed at Parliament House, but you also have opportunities to go to places like the Solomon Islands or Pine Gap," PSO Moore said.
"I didn't realise until getting into the program that there were so many specialist roles available to pursue as a PSO, from close personal protection to canine handling and everything in between.
"The unique roster of a PSO also gives me the freedom and flexibility to do the things that I want in my days off.
"Staying at the college during my training was also a great experience. You get free serviced accommodation and three meals a day - even on weekends."
Commander Sandra Booth welcomed the newest recruits to the AFP community and thanked them for their dedication throughout their programs and commitment to protecting the community.
"Today is a very special day for our 66 new members and I am extremely proud to welcome each and every one of you to the AFP family," Commander Booth said.
"We are always looking for the best and brightest people to join our agency, and this cohort is no exception.
"To anyone with an interest in protecting our community, I strongly encourage browsing our vacancies and learning about the many challenging and rewarding roles we have on offer.
"Working in policing is one of the most important and rewarding careers you can have, and joining the AFP could be the best decision you ever make."
Upon graduation, recruits are provided with six weeks' of annual leave, four mandatory rest days, 15.4 per cent superannuation and an annual salary of up to $100,000.
