Murder mysteries, gender stereotypes, and the lure of overseas travel may not seem like the obvious ingredients for a career in law enforcement. But for three women shaping the future of international policing, they were pivotal in their journeys to the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Commander Erica Merrin, Detective Superintendent Marie Andersson, and Detective Sergeant Salam Zreika are stationed across the globe, separated by more than 21,000 kilometres but united by their commitment to protecting communities and breaking barriers for women in law enforcement.
As the world marks International Women’s Day on 8 March 2025, the AFP is celebrating their stories—of resilience, ambition, and a relentless pursuit of justice.
For Commander Merrin, a career in the AFP began with a teenage dream. At just 16, she applied for the AFP undergraduate program, drawn by the prospect of travel and international work. Today, she leads as the AFP’s Commander of Asia, overseeing operations in major cities including Bangkok, Beijing, and New Delhi.
“Take time to understand your strengths and weaknesses and play to them,” she advises.
“That’s how you build resilience, adapt, and step out of your comfort zone to explore opportunities.”
Thirty-three per cent of AFP women deployed overseas report to Commander Merrin, making her only the second female Commander in Asia. She credits the mentorship of other women in policing for her success and continues to pay it forward.
Detective Sergeant Salam Zreika’s path to policing was deeply personal. Growing up in a difficult family environment, her first encounters with law enforcement came as a child when officers visited her home.
“It was during this time my admiration for police officers started,” she recalls.
“I was raised in a culture where women were expected to be cooks, cleaners, wives, and mothers—always sacrificing their own dreams. But I held onto mine.”
Zreika joined the AFP in 2010 and achieved her dream of becoming a detective in 2019 after years of dedication. Five months ago, she was deployed to Jakarta, where she now works closely with Indonesian authorities to support criminal investigations and train local officers.
“Women are integral to an effective police force,” she says.
“We bring an empathetic style that is essential for policing. My goal has always been to help and guide others—especially women from minority backgrounds.”
For Detective Superintendent Andersson, a childhood love of murder mysteries eventually led her to high-stakes international operations. Currently stationed in Türkiye, she has been instrumental in assisting Turkish authorities in dismantling an organised motorcycle crime gang.
Her career has seen her deployed across the world, including to Southeast Asia in the aftermath of the 2004 Indonesian terrorist attacks. Her work in fostering international partnerships has strengthened global counter-terrorism efforts and the protection of Australians abroad. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the prestigious Australian Police Medal in January 2025.
“Mentorship is crucial, and it’s not just about women supporting women,” she says.
“Male mentors can be just as valuable. What truly matters is the personality and approach of the mentor, not their gender.”
While working overseas presents unparalleled career opportunities, it also comes with significant personal sacrifices. For Detective Sergeant Zreika, the hardest part of deployment is being away from her two children, who remain in Australia.
“This opportunity has come with immense personal sacrifice,” she says.
“But the AFP understands my situation, and I’m grateful for a compassionate network of peers and leaders who support regular reunions with my children.”
For Andersson, relocating to Türkiye with her husband and daughters required adjustment, but the AFP’s support made the transition smoother. Meanwhile, Commander Merrin has worked overseas both as a single mother and later as part of a blended family with four adult children and two grandchildren.
Despite their unique experiences, all three women share a commitment to paving the way for the next generation of female officers. Merrin reminds young officers that setbacks are inevitable but should be seen as learning experiences.
Detective Superintendent Andersson emphasises the variety of opportunities within the AFP.
“You can spend your entire career in the agency and still feel like you’ve worked across multiple professions.”
For those considering a career in law enforcement, Detective Sergeant Zreika has simple but powerful advice:
“Step out of your own shadow and dare to challenge yourself. Surround yourself with those who uplift and support you, and walk away from those who don’t.”
The AFP currently has more than 200 personnel stationed across 34 countries, working alongside international law enforcement partners to detect, prevent, and disrupt crime at its source. Women like Merrin, Andersson, and Zreika are not just part of this global effort—they are leading it.
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