The ASO Program
In response to the 11 September incidents, the Commonwealth instituted an Air Security Officer Program under the APS. These employees are generally referred to in the media as Sky Marshals. The ASO Programme provides a discreet anti-hijacking capability for Australian civil aviation by providing armed security personnel on board aircraft. This involves both random and intelligence-led placement of armed ASOs on flights operated by Australian registered air carriers, including domestic and international flights into and out of Australia.
The program draws from a pool of applicants that includes Defence Force personnel and employees of State Police Forces and the AFP but must be sworn as PSO's for the AFP.
Read more about this topic: Australian Protective Service
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