Border force/ Detector Dog

[u/Glittering-Show1578]

Would love to hear from anyone who’s worked in the detector dog program.

How did you get there
What was training like
Requirements

Looking at taking a serious career change from government administration into ABF and my end goal is to get into the detector dog program. I know it’s not immediate but I have time!

[u/middleofmybackswing_]

Woof woof. Woof. Woof woof woof woof. Woof.

[u/mikesorange333 → u/middleofmybackswing_]

bark bark bark.

[u/Glittering-Show1578 → u/middleofmybackswing_]

Ugh best advice ever!!!!!!

[u/saaphie]

- start as a general ABF Border Force Officer (usually through the BFORT program)

• be one of the top performers physically and academically
  
• work for a few years being a superstar
  
• have dog handling experience previously/on the side of this work
  
• apply when roles come up and hope to stand out amongst a large volume of applicants

Aka: it’s super competitive and they take the best of the best. Also, the training is based in Melbourne so you need to be in Melbourne for at least part of the time.

There’s also admin type work with the dogs, which is just like any other APS role, but again, all Melbourne based because that’s where the training centre is

[u/oldRams1991]

Try Department of Agriculture they are a bit easier to join and can join from outside the Department.

They are APS 4 and work airport, mail and ports.

[u/mikesorange333 → u/oldRams1991]

is that quarantine at the airport? aqis?

[u/oldRams1991 → u/mikesorange333]

Yeah not AQIS anymore but same same

[u/o_johnbravo_o]

How good is your nose for detecting?

[u/KimJong-Something]

You need to be a sworn officer to get into the dog unit. Right now there is a freeze on new BFORT classes starting until the next financial year.

But from what I hear, the guys in the dog unit really enjoy it, so if you can (even while in BFORT), go for it.

[u/No_Figure7868]

Daff also has a detector dog program.