AFP profile - Craig, Operational Safety Trainer, International Deployment Group
Ensuring the Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers he instructs make it home to their family each night is the philosophy that Operational Safety Trainer Craig works by.
"If I can make sure they are well trained and equipped with the skills they need to do their job well and safely then I have done my job," Craig said.
Craig accepted the position as an Operation Safety Trainer with the AFP, following many years of experience with the New South Wales Police Force and the Royal Australian Air Force.
"I was in the Air Force for 18 years as a dog handler, which was a fantastic job. During that time I had the chance to do some training with the AFP Explosive Detector Dog Handlers Course and it gave me a taste of what other opportunities were out there."
He then spent more than seven years with the New South Wales Police Force, where he fine-tuned his skills as an Operational Safety Trainer.
"When I saw the Operational Safety Trainer position advertised with the AFP I jumped at it because I knew there would be so many opportunities ahead of me," he said.
His role involves pre-deployment training and re-accreditation training of ACT Policing Officers.
"I make sure everyone's skills are up to scratch. In this line of work you have to be able to look after your mate and sometimes you've got to put your life in their hands. So knowing how to handle yourself is critical."
He has a healthy respect for the work he does: “People need to understand firearms and not fear them. It's not all about being gung ho with weapons or being a black belt martial artist. Our first response in most situations is communication and we emphasise that at all levels of our training.
"You have to be able to understand every unique situation you are in, be able to think on your feet and know how to talk yourself out of a tricky situation."
Craig has nothing but the highest praise for the caliber of the AFP officers he works with.
"Everyone is so approachable and they really show an appreciation for the skills I have been able to bring across from other organisations. In just four months I've already seen how many opportunities there are for career enhancement. There are just so many other avenues that you can go into. It's far beyond anything else I've experienced in my working life."
But for the time being he is content to stay in his instructing role and to continue his aim of making sure those he trains get home safely to their families each night.
July 2007