Recruit Training

If you pass all the gateways to become a police officer, you'll go through the Federal Police Development Program (FPDP) at the AFP College in Barton ACT. The program lasts 24 weeks and covers a mix of theory and practical learning.

You'll be trained in a wide range of areas, including:

• law
• investigation techniques
• police powers
• the intelligence process
• preparing briefs of evidence
• interviewing and statement-taking techniques
• operational safety, including firearms handling, driver training and defensive tactics.

We'll give you specialist policing knowledge and build your skills. You'll learn how to:

• interpret legislation, identify offences, find evidence and conduct investigations
• apply AFP policy and procedures in line with our values
• respond to incidents and resolve situations
• process offenders ethically and begin the judicial process
• interpret criminal legislation, AFP governance and guidelines, and make sound judgements.

Life at the College

During initial training, you'll live on site at the AFP College in Canberra for 24 weeks. From Monday to Friday, you'll train in a squad with up to 30 recruits. You'll do physical training 3 times a week. You'll also complete some assignments out of hours.

When you check in on your first day, we'll give you your room key and security pass. You'll join other recruits and staff for lunch in the lounge. We'll tell you about the program and let you know our expectations. You'll have security briefings, learn about the College and have a chance to ask questions. On the first night, there's a barbecue so you can get to know everyone.

We'll brief you on our processes and procedures in the first week. You'll have your uniform fitting and get straight into team-building and overnight exercises.

After you finish your training, you'll be deployed to ACT Policing. You'll have to complete 6 months of probation and successfully complete a workbook in your first year. When this is done, you'll receive a POL50124 Diploma of Policing.

Facilities

In the heart of Canberra, near Lake Burley Griffin and close to Kingston’s shopping and café precinct, the AFP College offers:

• exercise classes and a fully equipped gym open 24/7
• access to exercise physiologists, physiotherapists, welfare support and dietitians
• free single-room accommodation with ensuite, bed and desk
• free main meals
• mobile phone and laptop computer
• coffee shop, bar and dining hall
• shared laundry
• technology-enabled training rooms and a resources centre to help with study
• common areas for socialising
• free off-street parking
• an ATM
• access to exercise physiologists, physiotherapists, welfare support and dietitians.