The AFP is celebrating the first anniversary of its groundbreaking DXC Dandelion Program, which provides a specialised pathway into the AFP for people with autism.
The program is the only one of its kind in Australian law enforcement and involves six people with autism undertaking a two-year, paid traineeship in Digital Surveillance Collection (DSC), an area within Covert and Technical Operations (CTO).
CTO is responsible for the lawful collection of evidence and intelligence in support of AFP operations.
The trainees work in data analytics, software development and hardware engineering roles.
It is hoped that at the end of the traineeship, the six trainees will continue on as permanent employees of the AFP.
The program is managed by independent consultants DXC IT, which offers ongoing support and advice for trainees and the AFP.
The Dandelion Program participants are based at the AFP's Edmund Barton Building in Canberra and work out of a neurodivergent-friendly workspace with an imbedded neurodiversity consultant, focus tools and a sensory room for work and rest.
Superintendent Matthew Walls said the program developed the trainees' technical skills, which had helped the DSC's work of supporting criminal investigations.
"The trainees in the Dandelion Program embrace every challenge they face as they learn how technology keeps Australians safe," Supt Walls said.
"Their work has already assisted the AFP in a number of active investigations.
"Their impressive work helped speed up investigations through the development of electronic dashboards and software that helped investigators collate and understand data more quickly.
"We started this program to harness the unique skills of people with autism and continue the AFP's drive towards a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
"It is also about identifying untapped IT talent in an increasingly tight labour market to further build the AFP's technical capability."
Supt Walls said the early success of the Dandelion Program had attracted a lot of interest from inside and outside the AFP.
Dandelion Program trainee Lachlan Cameron, 23, said it was the first meaningful job he has had.
"Working in DSC in the Dandelion Program is more interesting, supportive and impactful than any other job I have had," Mr Cameron said.
"This work is so different to anything I've done before and is really interesting. It also provides me with a real opportunity to make a career out of it.
"The work we do with the DSC team is challenging at times but the AFP and DXC IT support us every step of the way."
