Community Policing - Similarities and Differences of Afp and State Police

Community Policing

Community policing is a philosophy that promotes organizational strategies, which support the systematic use of partnerships and problem-solving techniques, to proactively address the immediate conditions that give rise to public safety issues such as crime, social disorder, and fear of crime.

Similarities and differences of AFP and State Police

The AFP is the only police service in Australia which offers work in community policing, as Federal Agents, in Protective Services and peacekeeping missions overseas. The AFP also offers work in non-policing roles.

•The AFP's community police protect the national capital, which involves an exciting mix of issues and challenges. They are the first point of contact when a local crime is committed.

•Federal Agents operate in state and territory capital cities and as liaison officers in countries around the world. They focus on national and international crime. Federal Agents also serve as peacekeepers for the United Nations.

•All AFP sworn police can move from community policing roles to Federal Agent roles and vice-versa.

•The AFP's Protective Service Officers provide security for government and foreign officials, airports, secure locations, major museums and at major events. They also provide security services and training to government agencies.

•The International Deployment Group is a new approach to deploying personnel overseas for peacekeeping and capacity building missions. You will gain exposure to policing issues and situations not normally encountered in Australia.

•The AFP has many non-policing roles which support policing operations. These range from forensics, legal, intelligence and marketing to IT and business support. Whatever role interests you, you will be assisting the AFP to combat crime.

State police enforce laws within their state and are covered under state legislation. The AFP investigates and prevents crimes against the Commonwealth - work that often extends beyond state and national borders-and protects Commonwealth interests in Australia and overseas. The AFP also provides community policing services to the ACT community under contract with the ACT Government. (Reiss Jr, Albert J. page 51)

ACT Community Policing is part of the AFP and ACT Community Police Officers and Federal Agents have roles of equal importance within this national law enforcement agency. The AFP is unique in offering opportunities to move between the two types of policing, and experience gained in one can be useful in performing duties in the other.

Deputy Sheriff's offices and community policing departments

A Sheriff's office is a local law enforcement agency organized at the county level, directed by a sheriff. Most Sheriffs are elected