Canberra | Australian Federal Police

Our work in the ACT

Canberra is home to both our national headquarters and training college, as well as the AFP’s world-class forensics facility.

For many, it's their first introduction to life in the AFP. Yet, a significant number of staff choose to continue working in Canberra thanks to the variety of work and the relaxed lifestyle.

We protect critical sites and people across the ACT.

We also protect Australia against serious criminal threats like terrorism, drug trafficking and people smuggling.

Start your AFP career with us in Canberra. Get the skills and experience to apply to do legendary work across Australia and around the world.

Find out how you can join the AFP

Explore our sworn roles in Canberra

A Protective Service Officer (PSO) stands in front of the Australian Parliament House with another officer behind her

Protection services in Canberra

Protective service officers (PSOs) in Canberra protect people, places and the diplomatic community based in the ACT.

What you'll do

As a PSO in Canberra, you'll provide:

highly visible uniformed security at places like Parliament House
close personal protection to Australian and foreign dignitaries
witness protection
security and advice for major government, diplomatic and public events
first response activity to national security threats.

PSOs work in some of Canberra's iconic locations including the Australian Parliament House, Government House and the award

Join the AFP as a protective service officer

Two police officers talking to children outside

Community policing in the ACT

We partner with the ACT Government to provide community policing for the people of the ACT.

As a police officer in ACT Policing, you'll often be the first point of contact when the public needs help.

You'll also work with the community to address:

victim-based crime
threats to community safety
serious and organised crime
road safety.

Join ACT Policing as a police officer

Three officers in a room with two reviewing evidence

National policing in Canberra

As a national police officer in Canberra, you'll protect Australia from serious criminal threats.

Our police officers focus on threats arising from:

But we don’t work alone. In the AFP, you'll work with partner agencies here and overseas. Together, you'll keep Australians safe and protect Australia's interests.

Join as a national police officer in Canberra

Two professional staff members reviewing work on a whiteboard

Other roles in Canberra

With the AFP headquarters located in Canberra, there are a diverse range of unsworn roles, where staff work for the AFP without being a police officer.
Examples of specialist roles at the AFP include:

cybercrime analysts
forensic accountants
intelligence analysts
investigative assistants.

Examples of support roles at the AFP include:

health professionals
logistics officers
media liaison officers
psychologists.

Explore the specialist and support roles

Living in Canberra

Canberra is a vibrant city with a laid-back vibe. In 2025, Oxford Economics rated it as the best city in the world for quality of life.

In Canberra, you can build your AFP career and still have time for fun.

Enjoy hobbies and sport, meeting friends at a cafe, bar or restaurant or get out in nature. As the nation's capital, you'll also have access to world-class exhibitions and performances.

Canberra is perfectly located to enjoy:

South Coast beaches in summer
snow sports in winter
a weekend in Sydney or Melbourne.

Learn more about working and living in Canberra

AFP College

Located in the heart of Canberra, the AFP College in Barton has been the primary training facility for AFP recruits since 1979.

Upon graduation, recruits leave the College with extensive knowledge in law, police powers, protection, investigative techniques, and operational safety - ready to work within National, Protection, or ACT Policing Operations.

Learn more about the AFP College