Australian Federal Police launches one of its biggest ever recruitment drives with roles across the country

The Australian Federal Police has launched one of its biggest ever recruitment drives for officers to protect the country’s most important assets — including those in WA. The AFP is on the hunt for dozens of protective service officers — who are based at defence and parliamentary sites and capital city airports — as well as in the regional areas of Pine Gap, Exmouth and Geraldton. Their role is to prevent, deter and respond to threats against “protection interests and national security threats” — such as terrorism and violence. There are also opportunities to serve overseas. More than 100 officers were deployed to the Solomon Islands to support the local police force with security operations for the recent Pacific Games. Specialist and Protective Strategy Coordination Commander Stephen Fry said the recruitment blitz was “unprecedented” and was needed because of the AFP’s expanding operations. “Protective Service Officers are on the frontline for the AFP’s national security response as well as a range of other emergency and operational incidents,” he said. “We’re searching for new recruits who want a chance to service and protect their local and national communities with roles available across Australia in remote and metropolitan locations. “We’re looking for people who want a career that values fitness and good health, people who have a sense of adventure and are open to seeing more of our beautiful country.” PSO Kurt, who is the officer-in-charge of the AFP’s Geraldton base, said the job has given him the opportunity to move around the country and deploy overseas. “So I’ve been paid to see the world,” he said. Kurt said he encouraged local residents in Exmouth and Geraldton to apply.