Senior Sergeant Erica Gibson has been replaced as Wadeye top cop

A controversial Top End police station has a new officer in charge. Read what’s changed.

A supporter of an embattled senior NT police woman has called for balance when considering her legacy.

Former Wadeye top cop Erica Gibson has left the troubled community after two years and is now working out of Darwin.

In a statement to the NT News, police confirmed the professional move.

“Senior Sergeant Erica Gibson has been transferred to Darwin at her request, in line with the standard transfer process,” a police spokesman said.

“After serving two years at a remote locality, members are eligible to request a transfer to any geographical location in the NT. This is a member initiated transfer, not a management decision.

Acting Superintendent - Central Division Erica Gibson in Wadeye. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“Acting Senior Sergeant Ian Young is currently relieving in the role. He is a highly experienced officer who was selected through an agency wide expression of interest process.”

In January the NT News reported representatives from Kardu Diminin, Wadeye’s traditional owners, had written to the NT Government and Police Commissioner Michael Murphy seeking Ms Gibson’s removal as officer in charge.

In 2022 the same group had written to the previous government requesting Ms Gibson not be appointed commissioner at Wadeye, about 420km west of Darwin.

Following receipt of the NT Police response to questions about Senior Sergeant Gibson’s transfer, an email was sent to the NT News from domestic violence survivor Holly Gurruwiwi, calling for balance in the representation of her time as officer in charge at Wadeye.

“I write not as an observer, but as a survivor of domestic, family, and sexual violence,” Ms Gurruwiwi said.

“Erica Gibson is the woman who saved my life. She stood for me when others wouldn’t. She listened. She believed me. She acted when it mattered most.

“If you are committed to telling the truth, you must include the stories of those who have been protected, not just those who seek to discredit.

“Erica’s integrity, compassion, and bravery have changed lives - including mine.”

The NT News was unable to reach Ms Gurruwiwi for further comment.

Originally published as Senior Sergeant Erica Gibson has been replaced as Wadeye top cop