The fortress within: NSW Police faces reckoning as commissioner race intensifies
Six contenders, one crisis. Behind closed doors, a police leadership battle will shape the future of public trust.
The resignation of Commissioner Karen Webb wasn’t just a transition. It was a rupture. One that exposed not only a failing leadership, but a force teetering under its own secrecy and power.
Now, six candidates are competing to lead the New South Wales Police Force — and with them, the opportunity to either entrench or dismantle a culture of impunity.
A force in free fall
Since 2019, NSW Police has quietly settled more than 50 misconduct claims involving racial profiling, sexual harassment and use-of-force incidents, according to internal records reviewed by UMN. Few led to disciplinary action. All were sealed by nondisclosure agreements.
A 2024 Human Rights Watch report identified NSW as the national leader in police payouts per capita. An internal ethics audit last year found multiple divisions where investigations were dismissed or mishandled.
“It’s window dressing for the minister,” said one internal affairs officer, who requested anonymity.
Meanwhile, the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission is widely viewed as ineffective. The Police Association shields members from external scrutiny, often at the expense of transparency.
The six contenders
Mal Lanyon – the establishment favorite
Flood hero. Media polished. But a 2021 alleged drunken tirade in Goulburn vanished from the record. His critics warn: “A Lanyon appointment says, ‘Don’t expect change.’”
Dave Hudson – the ghost in the machine
Respected. Steady. Silent. His record on counterterrorism is clean, but his silence on issues like Indigenous relations has raised red flags.
“No scandal, no courage,” one colleague said.
Paul Pisanos – the conflicted reformer
He champions youth programs, but leaked footage shows him urging officers not to “go soft” on camera. Critics ask: Is it reform, or rebranding?
Peter Thurtell – the placeholder
As interim commissioner, he boosted morale. But a 2023 audit found missing case files under his watch. Supporters say he's stabilizing. Detractors say he's stalling.
Mick Willing – the risky return
Once a top contender, Willing left under clouded allegations and internal conflict. A 2019 report cited a “culture of intimidation” in his unit.
Gavin Wood – the outsider’s hope
He led successful mental health crisis teams and enjoys civil society backing. But his lack of high-level alliances could be his undoing.
“The best reformer is the least likely to be chosen,” said one policy adviser.
Protests rising, lawsuits looming
Civil rights groups are preparing legal action. Aboriginal communities are mobilizing. Parliament is weighing a public inquiry.
States like Victoria and Queensland have expanded police oversight. NSW lags behind — politically and structurally.
“The NSW Police Force is a fortress,” said barrister Helena Tui. “Only bold leadership can breach it.”
Closed doors, open questions
The selection process remains entirely private. No public hearings. No community input. An announcement is expected within weeks.
But to the communities impacted most, the appointment will speak louder than any reform promise.
Will this be the moment NSW chooses transformation — or entrenchment?
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