Student Achievement

Work Experience with the Australian Federal Police

Earlier this year, Year 12 students nation-wide who are interested in joining the Australian Federal Police (AFP) were given the chance to apply for a work experience opportunity that would give them an insight into the workings and responsibilities of the AFP. The course took place in Canberra in the final weeks of May and interest in the course was so high that over 1000 people applied for the 30 available spots. Year 12 student and Kilnacrott Captain Anissa Holmes was one of only two students from Western Australia selected to attend this event. Below is a short summary of her experiences.

I was accepted into a week-long work experience program with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in their forensic department. The week started with a brief introduction to forensics and then we were straight into it our training. Overall it was an amazing experience, and has enabled me to gain an insight into a possible future career with the AFP. 

We examined variety of evidence types, and were fortunate enough to see the seized vehicles carpark, and the gun library. This opportunity has helped me realise that I definitely do want to work for the AFP, after having the dream of working for them for almost 10 years. Over the course of the week, we took part in a range of policing tasks including: crime scene examination, biology, chemical criminalistics, firearms examination, digital forensics, fingerprint examination, facial identification, document examination, court writing and mock court proceedings. I enjoyed all aspects of the course, but I would have to say my particular highlight had to be the crime scene examination, and then going through and testing all the evidence we found.

By attending the course, I was able to deepen my desire to work with the AFP as well as discover more about the different disciplines in forensics. I was also able to discover the many different roles within the AFP as well as the different pathways that can be taken into the AFP.

Mr P Hawke

(Deputy Principal - Years 9 & 12)