Promises and regrets: veteran cop tapped for top job
Kat Wong |
The new head of Australia’s biggest police force has pledged to unite the notoriously fractious organisation while defending his past indiscretions and service record.
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon was promoted to the top job on Wednesday, ending a months-long search that generated much speculation in the force.
His appointment followed leaks about a drunken episode in 2021 and his decision to bring friends and his wife on a police boat for the Sydney fireworks.
But Premier Chris Minns said Mr Lanyon had performed in some of the toughest jobs, including heading up Sydney metropolitan policing, the force’s crime command and leading squads targeting high-risk domestic violence offenders.
Mr Lanyon spent the past 18 months on secondment leading the disaster-focused NSW Reconstruction Authority.
“This decision was not made based on who had the mistake-free, perfect report,” Mr Minns said.
“I want to make it clear that for me, it was based on who I believe should be in the commissioner’s chair on NSW’s worst day.”
Mr Lanyon was long considered a frontrunner to replace Karen Webb, who was the force’s first female leader.
He beat contenders including acting Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell, Assistant Commissioner Gavin Wood and Deputy Commissioner David Hudson.
He will officially take the reins in a week, overseeing more than 16,000 sworn officers and a $5.6 billion annual budget.
Mr Lanyon has been a deputy police commissioner since 2019 and in 2024 took up a temporary post leading the Reconstruction Authority after helping lead flood recovery efforts in the Northern Rivers in 2022.
The hunt for a new top cop began after Ms Webb announced she would finish her term 18 months early.
Immediately after the announcement, Mr Lanyon was forced to field questions from reporters about an episode in 2021 near the Goulburn police academy when he was found drunk on the footpath and abused ambulance officers.
“I deeply regret the circumstances of that evening and they were completely out of character,” he said.
Mr Lanyon also expressed regret for inviting his wife and two friends onto a command post on Sydney Harbour on New Year’s Eve in 2023, although he said their presence had no impact on police operations.
Uniting the police force – well-known for sniping and leaks against senior leadership – would be a key focus when he took office, Mr Lanyon said.
“I want … to cultivate a culture of respect, professionalism, fairness and support,” he said.
“I want every officer, every member of the executive to feel part of one team, united behind the force’s goals, motivated by purpose and committed to serving the communities of NSW.
“The people of NSW deserve a police force they can trust.”
AAP
