Neil Gaughan’s career with the AFP spans over 35 years with extensive operational experience in general policing and investigative roles in both the ACT Region and AFP National Operations.
On 18 May 2020, Neil was appointed the Chief Police Officer for ACT Policing. Under Neil’s leadership, ACT policing continues to focus on reducing recidivism, preventing road trauma, and improving mental health support for ACT Police.
Prior to this appointment, Neil was promoted to Deputy Commissioner to lead the AFP’s response to disrupting serious and organised criminal networks, combating economic and serious crimes, countering cybercrime, leading national responses to human exploitation, and managing the AFP’s international engagement.
Neil has held senior executive roles in the Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism proftfolios. For the first 15 years of his policing career, Neil worked in a variety of roles within ACT Policing including, General Duties, Accident Investigation Squad, Criminal Investigations Branch, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Team and Professional Standards.
