Karen Webb resigns as NSW police commissioner Topic:Police2h ago2 hours agoWed 7 May 2025 at 1:58amLoading...In short:NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has resigned from the force.She became the first woman to hold the position in 2022.What's next?Commissioner Webb will leave the top job on September 30.abc.net.au/news/nsw-police-commissioner-karen-webb-to-resign/105263008Link copiedShareShare articleKaren Webb will step aside as NSW police commissioner later this year.Commissioner Webb, who became the first woman to hold the position when she took over from Mick Fuller in 2022, will leave the top job on September 30.She said she had planned to announce her retirement on May 18 — 38 years after she left the academy — but it was brought forward."I knew when the time was right I would know, and I wanted to give the state government time to recruit and appoint a new commissioner going into an election period in less than two years' time," she said.NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said she made the decision after discussions with her family. (AAP: Lukas Coch)Police Minister Yasmin Catley confirmed the resignation during Question Time in parliament on Wednesday afternoon, saying Commissioner Webb leaves behind a "significant legacy" after 38 years of service."I have nothing but heartfelt thanks for her incredible work and admiration for her many significant achievements," Ms Catley said."She has been a force for change and reform focused on the safety and the wellbeing of the New South Wales Police."During her tenure she attracted criticism for her handling of the manslaughter of 95-year-old Clare Nowland by a police officer, and her response to the deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davis, who were allegedly murdered by an off-duty officer.Last year she initiated a review into police culture amid claims from former and serving officers of bullying and sexism in the ranks.The minister said the government would conduct a thorough recruitment process for her successor.Webb a 'true trailblazer', minister saysMs Catley said the commissioner's legacy included securing a pay rise for members of the force, the establishment of the domestic and family violence register, and her apology last year for the force's handling of gay hate crimes."When others would be happy to stick with the status quo, Karen Webb has strived for more — she is the true trailblazer," the minister said.Commissioner Webb joined the force in 1987 and went on to work in Sydney and regional NSW in general duties and criminal investigation roles before being appointed commissioner.Premier Chris Minns said Commissioner Webb was a trailblazing leader and a first-rate police officer."Commissioner Webb has stood tall in moments of crisis, led significant reform to policing, and staunchly defended law and order in this state," he said."She leaves behind a legacy of substance, both as the first female police commissioner of New South Wales, and someone who made lasting changes in that position."Opposition Leader Mark Speakman in a statement thanked Commissioner Webb for her "long and loyal service" to the force."The Minns Labor government must now move quickly to confirm who will lead the force," Mr Speakman said."Our police do an extraordinary job and deserve strong, steady leadership."Posted 2h ago2 hours agoWed 7 May 2025 at 1:58am, updated 20m ago20 minutes agoWed 7 May 2025 at 4:11amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesPakistan's prime minister vows India's attacks will 'not go unpunished'LIVEPhoto shows A man rides his motorbike through rubble in the darkLiberal leadership race narrows to two likely contenders, Ley and Taylor Topic:Liberal Party of AustraliaPhoto shows Angus Taylor Sussan LeyPeter Dutton lands in Canberra as Coalition MPs divide on nuclear policyLIVEPhoto shows Peter Dutton walks through an airport with microphones and cameras surrounding him.ASIC takes action against Macquarie for 'significant' failuresTopic:Business and Industry RegulationPhoto shows Macquarie Group headquarters, SydneyA feedback loop tanked Dutton's campaign in its final weekAAnalysis by Annabel CrabbPhoto shows Clive Palmer NPCRelated storiesQuick response to manslaughter verdict shows NSW commissioner has learned some lessonsLAnalysis by Lia HarrisPhoto shows A woman in a blue police shirt stares aheadRelated topicsNSWPoliceSydneyTop StoriesPakistan's prime minister vows India's attacks will 'not go unpunished'Topic:Unrest, Conflict and WarPhoto shows A man rides his motorbike through rubble in the darkLiberal leadership race narrows to two likely contenders, Ley and Taylor Topic:Liberal Party of AustraliaPeter Dutton lands in Canberra as Coalition MPs divide on nuclear policyTopic:ElectionsASIC takes action against Macquarie for 'significant' failuresTopic:Business and Industry RegulationA feedback loop tanked Dutton's campaign in its final weekAAnalysis by Annabel CrabbJust InMember for Lingiari calls out racism at pre-polling boothTopic:Government and Politics6m ago6 minutes agoWed 7 May 2025 at 4:25amRelief felt by Australians as cost of crude oil drops to four year lowTopic:Oil and Gas7m ago7 minutes agoWed 7 May 2025 at 4:24amNew player shakes up regional Queensland electricity monopolyTopic:Electricity Production and Distribution11m ago11 minutes agoWed 7 May 2025 at 4:20amKaren Webb's time as police commissioner was not without controversyTopic:Police12m ago12 minutes agoWed 7 May 2025 at 4:19amMore Just InBack to top