AFP Officer Candidate key terms

The Australian national polity and the legal entity comprising the federal government, created under the Constitution. In policing, it refers to federal jurisdiction, agencies and offences as distinct from state and territory matters.

Australia's national policing agency, established under the Australian Federal Police Act 1979. It delivers community policing in the ACT and investigates Commonwealth crimes, including organised crime, terrorism and international matters.

The Australian Federal Police Act 1979, the statute constituting the AFP, defining the Commissioner's powers, member duties, and the functions of the force including ACT community policing.

The statutory head of the AFP, appointed under the AFP Act 1979, who commands the force, controls its general administration and is accountable to the Minister and Parliament for its performance.

A written instruction from the Minister responsible for the AFP that sets strategic priorities for the force. Directions are published and cannot relate to a particular investigation or individual case.

The principle that police operational decisions, such as whether to charge or investigate a person, rest with the Commissioner and sworn members rather than with government. It underpins public confidence in impartial policing.

A criminal offence created by Commonwealth legislation, such as Commonwealth Criminal Code offences, rather than by a state or territory law. The AFP investigates these; they are prosecuted in federal jurisdiction.

The Commonwealth statute containing the Criminal Code, which sets out general principles of criminal responsibility and many federal offences, including terrorism, people smuggling, drug importation and child exploitation material offences.

The independent statutory office that prosecutes Commonwealth criminal offences in federal courts. It receives briefs of evidence from the AFP and decides whether and how to proceed with charges.

The compiled file of statements, exhibits, records and analysis that police provide to a prosecutor to support criminal charges. Its quality determines whether a prosecution can proceed and be sustained.

The process of bringing criminal charges before a court and proving them to the required standard. In Australia the prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt and disclose relevant material to the defence.

The high standard of proof required in criminal matters, meaning the evidence must leave the fact-finder satisfied of guilt to a near certainty. It protects against conviction on speculation or weak inference.

The obligation on a party to prove an assertion in court. In criminal cases the prosecution bears the burden of proving each element of an offence, while some defences place an evidentiary burden on the accused.

Protection of Australia's sovereignty, people and institutions from threats such as terrorism, espionage and foreign interference. National policing agencies lead federal responses while working with state and territory partners.

The coordinated effort to prevent, detect and respond to terrorism through intelligence, investigation, disruption and community engagement. AFP leads national arrangements with state, territory and international partners.

Australia's domestic security intelligence agency. It gathers intelligence on threats to security and advises government, while the AFP conducts criminal investigations and arrests in terrorism matters.

The national agency that collects and shares criminal intelligence and hosts the Australian Criminal Intelligence Database. It supports police nationally in targeting organised and serious crime.

Coordinated criminal activity by structured groups, such as drug trafficking, money laundering or outlaw motorcycle gangs. AFP targets these through national taskforces and proceeds-of-crime action.

Assets obtained through criminal activity. Commonwealth and territory laws allow courts to restrain and confiscate them, removing profit as a motive and funding further investigations or community programs.

Concealing the origin of money obtained from crime so it appears legitimate, often through layers of transactions, businesses or overseas transfers. It is a Commonwealth offence and a key target of financial investigations.

Formal arrangements by which countries request each other's help to gather evidence, serve documents or restrain assets in criminal matters. In Australia these requests are managed under the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 1987.

The legal process for surrendering a person from one country to another to face criminal charges or serve a sentence. Australia's framework is set by the Extradition Act 1988 and treaty arrangements.

AFP work with overseas agencies, including through international posts and INTERPOL, to investigate transnational crime, build capacity and coordinate operations across borders.

The international police organisation that facilitates information sharing and notices between member countries. Australia uses INTERPOL channels to locate suspects, trace crime and coordinate cross-border investigations.

The AFP function that investigates complaints and allegations of misconduct or corruption involving members, ensuring integrity and public trust. Findings can lead to discipline, criminal charges or termination.

The AFP's written standards of behaviour required of all members, covering integrity, respect, accountability and lawful use of authority. Breaches can result in disciplinary or criminal action.

The community's confidence that police will act lawfully, fairly and in the public interest. It is a core value of policing and depends on integrity, transparency and accountability.

The community policing function of the AFP in the Australian Capital Territory, delivered under a purchasing arrangement with the ACT Government. It provides patrol, investigation and emergency response services to Canberra.

The arrangement under which the ACT Government funds the AFP to deliver policing services in the ACT. It specifies service levels, reporting and governance between the territory and the AFP.

The ACT Legislative Assembly minister responsible for police matters and the purchase agreement with the AFP. The role provides territory-level oversight of policing priorities and budget.

The parliament of the Australian Capital Territory, which makes territory laws including criminal and policing legislation. It oversees the ACT Government and scrutinises policing through committees.

The principal ACT statute defining criminal offences and defences, including assault, theft and property damage. ACT Policing applies it alongside Commonwealth and other territory laws.

Territory legislation protecting rights such as liberty, fair trial and privacy, and requiring public authorities including police to consider rights. It shapes ACT policing practice and decision-making.

The lawful application of physical power by police, such as restraint or defensive tactics, limited to what is reasonably necessary in the circumstances. It must be justified, proportionate and documented.

The detention of a person by police, for example after arrest or on a warrant. In the ACT, custody is governed by territory law and requires timely charging, access to rights and appropriate care.

The lawful taking of a person into custody to deal with an alleged offence. Police must have reasonable grounds, inform the person of the reason and their rights, and bring them before a court promptly.

A formal warning given to a suspect that anything they say may be used in evidence and that they may remain silent. Correct cautions protect the fairness and admissibility of admissions.

The conditional release of an accused person from custody while awaiting trial or sentence. In the ACT, bail decisions are governed by territory bail legislation and consider risk and community safety.

Abuse or controlling behaviour between family or intimate partners, including physical, emotional and financial harm. ACT Policing responds under territory family violence laws with protection and referral pathways.

A court order restricting a person's behaviour to protect another from violence, harassment or intimidation. ACT police can apply for or enforce such orders and must act on breaches.

A policing approach built on partnership with the community, problem-solving and prevention rather than enforcement alone. ACT Policing uses it to build trust and address local crime issues.