Successor search goes on as recruits farewell top cop
Jack Gramenz, Alex Mitchell and Luke Costin |
The first woman to lead Australia’s largest police force has been farewelled as questions swirl about who will replace her and details emerge about her last job before retirement.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb was symbolically marched out at Goulburn Police Academy on Friday ahead of her final day on September 30, ending a three-year stint in charge of the force.
One of her major reforms – boosting recruitment – was reflected in the largest academy graduate class in 13 years being attested on Friday.
“I thank Commissioner Webb for her leadership, her important reforms, and her lifelong commitment to keeping our communities safe,” Premier Chris Minns said.
Joining the force in 1987, Ms Webb ceased commissioner duties in June after overseeing nearly 17,000 sworn officers, with several deputies acting as interim commissioner before a successor is named.
Acting commissioner Paul Pisanos is one applicant.
“It’s a privilege to be involved in the process. It’s an incredibly important job,” he told reporters.
“It’s now in the hands of government.”
Police Minister Yasmin Catley said Ms Webb retired with the respect of the force.
“To stand there side-by-side with her and see her leave with the dignity that she should was a lovely moment,” she told reporters.
She says it’s important Ms Webb is replaced with the right person.
“It takes time and I’m going to take the time it needs.”
Since June, Ms Webb has been working as special adviser to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention Minister Jodie Harrison.
Ms Webb was the only candidate for the role and remains on her $679,000 police salary, rather than being paid by the Communities and Justice department, a budget estimates hearing on Thursday was told.
Department secretary Michael Tidball confirmed her retirement date had been June 30, before a three-month extension for the advisory role.
“It’s my understanding that in her letter of resignation that she alluded to the possibility of doing some meaningful project work, potentially in this realm of domestic and family violence,” he told the hearing.
Ms Webb’s report to the minister is due on September 30.
The report may not be released publicly and Ms Harrison said interstate police had provided information they may not want published.
The 314 probationary constables graduating on Friday will be on the beat from Monday, following eight months of training, including 16 weeks at the academy.
One graduate joined the force after sheltering with colleagues during a mass stabbing rampage at Bondi Junction Westfield in April 2024.
“I remember feeling completely helpless,” Amy Van Der Jagt, 37, told reporters.
“That kind of solidified my decision to pursue a career in the police and be the person helping.”
Police wages were recently reformed under a $700 million deal, with academy recruits now paid to train.
Applications leapt 72 per cent since the change in November 2023, the force said.
The 4749 applications are helping close a vacancy gap that ballooned to 2279 in 2024.
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AAP
