‘Time was right’: NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb speaks out after shock exit

An embattled top cop says she “knew when the time was right” to step aside after a controversial three years at the helm.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has spoken out for the first time after it was revealed she planned to step aside after three difficult years in the top job.

Police Minister Yasmin Catley confirmed that Ms Webb would resign on September 30 during question time in parliament on Wednesday afternoon.

In a statement, Ms Webb said she had recommended to the state government that Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell act in her role.

“I knew when the time was right I would know,” Ms Webb said.

“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.”

A NSW Police spokesperson said Ms Webb had decided to retire after 38 years with NSW Police “following discussions with her family”.

She had planned on announcing her retirement on May 18 to coincide with the “date she walked into the Goulburn Police Academy 38 years ago”.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has decided to retire after 38 years with NSW Police. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

Ms Catley said Ms Webb had “provided a lengthy notice period to enable the government to conduct a thorough recruitment process for her successor”.

“Commissioner Webb has had an extremely distinguished career, marked by exemplary service,” she said.

“I have nothing but heartfelt thanks for her incredible work and admiration for her many significant achievements.

“She has been a force for change and reform, focused on the safety and the wellbeing of the NSW police. She will leave a significant legacy.”

Ms Catley further stated that Ms Webb “strived for more”, and thanked her for “her extraordinary career of self-sacrifice and public service”.

She confirmed that Ms Webb had written to her “recently” indicating her intention to “retire by the end of year”.

In a statement, NSW Police also confirmed that Ms Webb would retire in September after 38 years with the force.

“The commissioner said her role as the first female police commissioner has been her greatest honour,” they said.

“Commissioner Webb will officially be farewelled from the force when she walks off the parade ground at the Goulburn Police Academy at the next attestation in August.

Ms Webb was NSW’s first female police commissioner. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

“The commissioner is in discussions with the government about working in critical areas specifically around women’s safety and domestic violence.”

The 55-year-old made history as the state’s first female police commissioner, though her tenure was marked by controversy.

Ms Webb came under fire for her handling of the manslaughter of 95-year-old Clare Nowland by NSW Police officer Kristian White.

She also faced criticism over her handling of the alleged double murder of Jesse Baird and Luke Davis by officer Beau Lamarre-Condon.

The top cop dismissed the criticism at the time by quoting Taylor Swift, saying “the haters (are) gonna hate”.

The purchase of thousands of dollars worth of gin, which was given out as gifts, with taxpayer funds also stirred controversy.

During her tenure, Ms Webb handled the police force’s response to the Bondi Junction Westfield stabbing and the alleged Dural “terror” caravan plot.

Originally published as ‘Time was right’: NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb speaks out after shock exit