The state’s first female Police Commissioner and former local was farewelled after a 38-year career during a ceremony at the Goulburn Police Academy last Friday
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb was honoured during the ceremony by Governor of NSW Her Excellency The Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, NSW Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley MP along with NSW Police Acting Commissioner Paul Pisanos APM last Friday at the Attestation ceremony that saw 314 students become sworn probationary constables and join the ranks of the NSW Police Force.
On her last day in the top job Commissioner Webb helped to swear in what is the largest class of graduates in 13 years.
Commissioner Webb was farewelled with a marching out salute on the parade ground, a ceremonial gesture of her retirement after 38 years, having joined the NSW Police as part of Class 228, on May 18, 1987.
The NSW Police Force paid tribute to the former local having said Commissioner Webb served the people of New South Wales with diligent and ethical service, forging a path for other women as the first female Commissioner.
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During her tenure, Commissioner Webb oversaw significant changes to attract, retain and support police officers including the introduction of paid training at the Goulburn Police Academy, the Professional Mobility Program, and the biggest pay rise for police in decades.
She also had a focus on mental health for officers including introducing the statewide Pulse program, which provides mental health clinicians at police stations, and she announced a new insurance and support scheme to provide improved coverage for injured officers.
Commissioner Webb has also maintained a strong focus on silent crimes in the community, particularly domestic and family violence and in July 2023, she announced the Domestic Family Violence Command which was an Australian-first specialist policing team to provide advice and response to domestic and family violence.
Commissioner Webb also rolled out strategies including strike forces and operations to tackle organised crime, drug offences, knife and regional crime.
Premier Chris Minns said Commissioner Webb had spent her career serving the community.
“Commissioner Webb has dedicated nearly four decades to serving the people of NSW,” he said.
“On behalf of the people of NSW, I thank Commissioner Webb for her leadership, her important reforms, and her lifelong commitment to keeping our communities safe.”
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley congratulated Commissioner Webb on a long and distinguished career.
“I thank Commissioner Webb for an extraordinary career of self-sacrifice and service to the people of NSW,” Minister Catley said.
“She has been a force for change, achieving landmark reform that will leave a lasting legacy on the NSW Police Force.
“Commissioner Webb’s drive to modernise the force for the 21st century will have an immense impact on our police and community.
"Congratulations Commissioner."
NSW Police Acting Commissioner Paul Pisanos APM said Commissioner Webb had forged pathways and opportunities for current and future police.
“We thank Commissioner Webb for her incredible commitment to serve the community, and the NSW Police Force,” Acting Commissioner Pisanos said.
“Commissioner Webb as the first female Police Commissioner, shattered barriers and blazed a trail of progress, paving the way for future generations and inspiring probationary constables to believe in their potential.
“As we welcome a new generation of officers into the NSW Police Force, today is a day to mark the significant contribution Commissioner Webb has had on our organisation.”
Karen Webb is the first woman to hold the title of Commissioner of the NSW Police Force when she was sworn in as the 23rd Commissioner.
She joined the NSW Police Force in May 1987 performing general duties and criminal investigations in metropolitan and regional areas.
Commissioner Webb performed duties at the Child Mistreatment Unit, Drug Enforcement Agency, Detectives Training Unit and command roles at the Forensic Services Group, Local Area Commands, Operations Manager North West Metropolitan Region and Commander State Surveillance Branch before being appointed to Assistant Commissioner at Police Transport & Public Safety Command.
Commissioner Webb has overseen numerous large and significant operations and projects including the Invictus Games 2018, Australia Day 2018 and 2019, sporting events, proactive crime programs and the 100 Years of Women in Policing celebrations. Commissioner Webb has served as a board member of NSW Police Legacy and the State Rescue Board.
As Deputy State Emergency Operations Controller, she worked closely with emergency service agencies during bushfires, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Commissioner Webb has provided leadership as Corporate Sponsor for Women in Policing, LGBTI and Victims of Crime & Customer Service.
In February 2022, she was formally sworn in at a ceremony in her hometown of Boorowa, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the history of the state and the New South Wales Police Force.
Commissioner Webb has received the Australian Police Medal, NSW Police Medal and 5th Clasp, National Police Service Medal, National Medal and 2nd Clasp, Commissioner’s Emergency Commendation and Premier’s Bushfire Citation.
