Australian Federal Police Commissioner Andrew Colvin has announced he is leaving the force after five years at the helm.

Commissioner Colvin said he made the decision not to extend his five-year contract before the federal election. He will leave the force after September.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Andrew Colvin has announced he is quitting the force. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

"This has been by far the hardest decision of my 30 years as a police officer, but I believe this is the right decision for me, for my family, and for the AFP," he said in a statement.

Commissioner Colvin told the department of Prime Minister and Cabinet of his decision before the election and later informed Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton.