Karen Webb has been appointed the next NSW Police Commissioner and will become the first woman to take on the role in the state’s history.
Webb will replace outgoing commissioner Mick Fuller at the helm of the country’s largest police force in April 2022. She has served in the NSW police force for 34 years and is currently Deputy Commissioner.
“It’s a great honour and a privilege to be selected as the next Commissioner of NSW Police,” Webb said at a press conference on Wednesday.
“I’m humbled. I’ve worked 24 years in the police, I’m a career cop. I stand before you here to day ready to take on the role as police commissioner.”
Webb thanked Fuller for his “stewardship and leadership” of the NSW police force over his time in the role.
“But it’s now time for a new leader and a new direction,” she said. “One of my first priorities will be to re-engage with the community and understand what our communities expect of the NSW Police force.”
Webb, who joined the NSW Police Force in 1987, said one of her key focus as Commissioner would be on victims of crime, especially those who have been impacted by child abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence.
“We will have a zero-tolerance for criminals,” she said.
Webb was selected for the role over fellow deputy commissioners Mick Willing and Mal Lanyon.
When Webb joined the police force in the late eighties, only 10 per cent of those in the organisation were women. She said she hopes to inspire more women to join.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the appointment of the NSW Police Commissioner was the most important appointments the state government has responsibility for.
“I believe that Deputy Commissioner Webb has the honesty, integrity and the drive to lead the NSW Police Force at this challenging time,” Perrottet said.
“Karen has served our state for over 30 years, keeping communities safe across New South Wales with absolute distinction.
“I believe she will do a very, very good job.”
Commissioner Fuller said the future of the NSW Police Force “is in good hands”.
“Commissioner-elect Webb is a highly experienced police officer, with 34 years of serving the community behind her. She has a strong record in operational leadership roles, and has made both an outstanding Region and Specialist Commander,” Fuller said.
“It was the depth and diversity of her experience which led me to promote her twice during my tenure – from Superintendent to Assistant Commissioner in 2017, and again to her current role as Deputy Commissioner, Corporate Services in July this year.”