Our people
The strength of DSC is our people - without them, we cannot continue to disrupt complex criminal networks and protect Australians and Australia's interests. We are always on the look out for innovative and creative people who think outside the box and provide unique solutions.
Ailie, Technician.
Entered as a Direct Hire.
Who are you?
I am a Technician, which involves maintaining our current interception platform and providing first level support to internal investigators and external agencies.
Why did you apply to the AFP?
Originally joining the AFP as an operational member in Canberra, I was always interested in general policing, then I was introduced to the whole new world of the AFP. I read about DSC and the diversity of the work they did, the devices they created, the software they develop and what they were able to do with all this. I was blown away and knew I wanted to be part of the area.
What do you enjoy about the work?
I like being able to support our frontline and seeing how all areas of the DSC and the AFP work together to achieve amazing results.
How would you describe the DSC work culture?
Having worked in other areas and teams in the AFP, I can say without a doubt that DSC has the best working culture. Everyone is approachable, helpful and easy-going. We try to do yearly get-togethers where interstate members are flown into Canberra which reinstates that we are just one big family.
What are some highlights?
Getting to travel to Alice Springs for an operation with a tactical team was one of my best experiences. But it's also the little things, knowing that I helped an investigator with a task that allowed them to locate a drug trafficker and get drugs off of the streets.
What are your career plans?
I plan on staying within DSC for some time, moving into more project work to support new digital surveillance initiatives and support the recruitment of more female techs into the area.
What training and development have you received?
Coming from a non-technical background, I have been supported in further training throughout the year. This is great as my team know me and are able to identify what training would suit me and benefit the area.
Anything else you want to share?
The only constant in the field of technology is change.
Brandon, Software Engineer
Entered as a Graduate.
Who are you?
I am a Software Engineer in Operational Capability Development (OCD). We solve difficult technical problems to enhance the AFP's technical capability in order to assist operations.
Why did you apply to the AFP?
The diversity of work and real life operational outcomes were the driving factors behind my application. There aren't many software development jobs that allow you to see outcomes benefit the public in such varying ways - whether that be disrupting a drug shipment or larger scale projects such as Operation Ironside.
What are you working on now?
I'm a jack of all trades - software development, reverse engineering, systems administration, process automation, and much, much more. I am also deployed to assist with operations when required.
How would you describe the DSC work culture?
While the work is super interesting, the people are who make DSC a great place to work. Everyone is welcoming and easy-going - no question is considered a dumb question, making DSC a great place to learn.
What are some highlights?
Qualifying as a Special Member was something that I never would have expected to do when I left university. It was a challenging and rewarding experience, further highlighting the diversity of opportunities available at the AFP.
What has your career trajectory been like?
Joining DSC and more broadly, the AFP, is like a choose-your-own-adventure game. There are so many different areas and roles that you can try out, with temporary transfers and acting opportunities all over the place.
I started as a Graduate in 2017, rotating through various teams in DSC and a stint in Cybercrime. Upon completion, I slotted into a software development role in OCD where I eventually "dual-hatted" a role in our Digital Surveillance Operations team. This gave me the opportunity to take myself way out of my comfort zone, completing covert and Special Member training, meaning I am use-of-force and firearm qualified to support of DSC operations. Since then, I have continued to progress through the band levels in OCD - recently becoming a Technical Specialist. I have also spent various periods acting as Team Leader.
What benefits do you enjoy?
- Constant Learning - there's not a day on the job that I don't learn something new. We're always pushing limits and boundaries on what can be done. It keeps the job exciting.
- Flexibility - the workplace is quite flexible, allowing work from home or interstate placement along with flex time.
- Conditions - on top of the flexibility, we get generous leave entitlements including 6 weeks annual leave and Christmas shutdown.
What training and development have you received?
I have been afforded the opportunity to participate in various industry-leading training courses. DSC is supporting of training and development opportunities.
Anything else you want to share?
Say yes to as many opportunities as you can, even if they do push you outside your comfort zone. It leads you to some pretty cool places.
Isobel, Software Developer.
Entered as a Graduate.
Who are you?
I am a software developer in the Covert Systems Team which is responsible for infrastructure and development of applications for DSC and other areas on request.
Why did you apply to the AFP?
The AFP provides the opportunity to assist with and support work that has direct and visible positive outcomes.
What are you working on now?
Largely python development, web development and virtualisation/containerisation.
What do you like about the work?
Variety in the work that we do. This includes the opportunity to work with a range of technologies and objectives. It also applies to the pace of work which can be busy sprints to deliver operationally-driven requests in a short timeframe, as well as continuous improvement and development of long term projects.
How would you describe the DSC work culture?
Teams are easy-going, respect the need for work-life balance, flexible hours and taking breaks to refocus. In order to meet tight operational deadlines when necessary, there is a very supportive, collaborative environment within and between teams to ensure work is completed on time to ensure everyone has the assistance required to meet objectives.
What training and development have you received?
There are plenty of opportunities for formal training and certifications. In addition to this, the areas are supportive of self-learning time and over the years, teams and individual members have hosted shared learning sessions for the area regarding work the teams are doing, and on technologies that may be valuable across various areas.
David, Mechatronics Engineer.
Change of career, entered as a Graduate.
Who are you?
I am a Mechatronics (or Robotics) Engineer in the AFP, working on electronic and mechanical design of products for operational use.
Why did you apply to the AFP?
I was interested in the type of work that the AFP was undertaking. I was getting frustrated making private companies richer, and wanted to add value to society. I now derive a fair amount of intrinsic value from the fact that I am now helping catch bad guys that would otherwise cause harm to real people in the real world.
What are you working on now?
Engineering, innovating and rapid prototyping. Generating hardware ready for tomorrow's collection opportunities.
What do you like about the work?
That we are given a problem to solve, given the funding and resources to solve the challenge in alternative ways. Having the resources, commitment, people and time required for a project is every engineer's dream, and we are in a good spot to spark innovation.
How would you describe the DSC work culture?
A soul of innovation, mission oriented and target focused. No one is here for inflated salaries but are genuinely here to solve complex problems.
What benefits do you enjoy?
- Resources - Availability of resources to get the job done.
- Stability - This isn't contract driven work. The teams are stable and committed, with both short and long term visions.
- Work Perks - Truly flexible work arrangements. 6 weeks of leave plus Mandatory Rest Days (MRDs) leave a good amount of time for living.
What training and development have you received?
Both formal courses and informal training. If you don't know something that's required, you'll be trained.
What are some highlights?
Seeing our devices help gather evidence. It's exciting and rewarding knowing that real crime is being actively investigated via a device we've made.
Anything else you want to share?
The main reason why I joined - "I'm a Q looking for my Bond". DSC really has the right mix of all the elements to successfully innovate and catch bad guys. The correct concoction of people and funding; the culture to explore and take risks, understanding that sometime we try and fail; the ability to trust that everyone is working towards the same goal.