Outgoing Commissioner Karen Webb’s silence speaks volumes as she exits NSW Police
After 38 years of service, outgoing NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb’s farewell speech was notable for what it didn’t include.
Outgoing NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has held her resolve, resisting having a dig at her detractors as she said goodbye after 38 years in the force.
Faced with significant criticism during her tenure and serving only three years of the five-year term, Commissioner Webb reflected on a “rewarding career” that exceeded her “highest expectations”.
“Like every Commissioner my time has tested me,” she said on the eve of her march out from the NSW Police Academy in Goulburn on Thursday night.
“For me, courage has not been about the absence of fear, but about doing what is right even if the path is difficult or challenging.
“Resilience, for me, has been about enduring the pressures and challenges that come with this role – from moments of crisis to the weight of responsibility that comes with leading such a proud organisation. It has meant learning from criticism and continuing to serve with clarity and determination”
Her speech was notable for what it didn’t include: any parting shots at her critics.
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The commissioner’s communication skills and media handling have been repeatedly criticised during her tenure, overshadowing some of the landmark changes she has made.
“Long after my Commissionership has ended police officers will continue to benefit from substantial improvements in pay and conditions, a reimagined in-house medical insurance scheme that will benefit officers – not the insurers, paid recruit training that makes training accessible from everyone and flexible work conditions designed to attract and retain
officers, to name a few.”
Ms Webb said she was proud of her versatile and diverse career touching Metropolitan, Regional, Specialist and Corporate areas of the organisation.
“I have always looked forward not back, embracing every challenge along the way.
The NSW Police Force is very much a part of me, and I will always be a part of the NSW Police Force,” she said.
“To stand here with you tonight is an honour. As I look around the room I see the faces of friends, allies, supporters and colleagues who walked that 38-year career with me.
“My journey would not have been the same without you and for that I say thank you.
When I stepped into this final role, I knew the job would be demanding. As your commissioner, and as your leader, one could never foresee what events and challenges would unfold during my tenure.
“From global events to national crisis, to domestic disasters, unexpected difficulties that required careful and considered navigation.
“As former Commissioner Ken Moroney once said to me, ‘Karen, there have only been twenty-three of us who have touched the flame, and unless you have touched that flame, you have no idea.’”
Commissioner Webb will pass the torch to Acting Commissioner Paul Pisanos on Friday at the ceremony attended by Premier Chris Minns and NSW Governor Margaret Beazley, Police Minister Yasmin Catley.
The announcement of the new permanent replacement for Ms Webb is said to be imminent, with lead contenders Mal Lanyon and Peter Thurtell.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley thanked Commissioner Webb for an “extraordinary career of self-sacrifice and service to the people of NSW”.
“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.”
