EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
STATUTORY RULES 1983 NO. 158
AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT)
ISSUED BY THE SPECIAL MINISTER OF STATE
It is considered desirable to amend the Australian Federal Police Regulations in order to permit the Commissioner of Police to grant paid or unpaid leave to members of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for the purpose of undertaking studies or research in prescribed fields which are of direct relevance to the needs of the AFP. In the longer term, this initiative is expected to make a substantial contribution to the self-sufficiency of the AFP in a number of specialised areas.
The proposed regulation prescribes the following subject areas for the purposes of paragraph 34(1)(c) of the Australian Federal Police Act 1979:
• computer science;
• law;
• accounting;
• police studies;
• administration;
• psychology; and
• languages.
The term ‘police studies’ has a well-understood meaning in police circles, and contemplates courses offered by a number of tertiary institutions specifically for police officers and persons involved in the administration of justice. These courses include instruction in such matters as criminology, forensic science, investigative techniques, sociology and criminal law.