Karen Webb, formerly of Boorowa, will replace Mick Fuller as NSW Police Commissioner, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the state’s history.
She has served in the force for over 30 years and is currently the Deputy Commissioner.
Commissioner Mick Fuller announced his intention to retire in July stating the top job required “enormous energy”.
Deputy Commissioner Webb said NSW Police had the right foundations thanks to Commissioner Fuller but she wanted to put more focus on helping victims of crime.
“It’s now time for a new leader and a new direction,” she said.
“The key focus will be on victims of crime, in particular child abuse victims, victims of sexual assault and victims of domestic violence.”
The incoming commissioner said when she first joined the police force, only 10 per cent of the total organisation were women and she hoped to inspire more to sign up.
The mother of two added that she was very proud two of her nieces had joined the police force.
“I joined to make a difference and I applied for this job for the same reason.”
Mr Fuller said he was “incredibly pleased” by the appointment of Deputy Commissioner Webb and said her depth and diversity of experience had led him to promote her twice during his tenure.
“Commissioner-elect Webb is a highly experienced police officer, with 34 years of serving the community behind her,” he said. “She has a strong record in operational leadership roles, and has made both an outstanding Region and Specialist Commander.”
“The future of the NSW Police Force – and its 22,000 employees – is in good hands.”
Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman, who served in the Australian Federal Police for 14 years, said it was a historic day for the NSW Police Force and the town of Boorowa.
“Congratulations Karen Webb on your appointment as the new Commissioner of Police,” she said.
Deputy Commisioner Webb attended school in Boorowa prior to moving to Sydney where she worked in accounting before joining the NSW Police Force in 1987.
Amongst many notable achievements she was also appointed the Corporate Sponsor for Women in Policing in 2013.
Deputy Commisioner Webb also sits on several internal and external committees including Chair of the 100 Years of Women in Policing Committee (2015), Women in Policing Executive Committee and the Corrective Services NSW Women’s Advisory Council.
She has had a wide range of experience and helped manage many large-scale operations including the NSW bushfire and pandemic responses.
By Brianna O’Rourke
