Surprising candidate in running for top police job
Peter Thurtell, the current steady hand leading the NSW Police Force, has put himself in the running to be become the next commissioner. He has five to beat.
NSW
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It’s crunch time for the six candidates vying for a role many consider a “poisoned chalice” – the NSW Police Commissioner.
Interviews wrapped up this week and time will soon tell whether Premier Chris Minns has opted for a “clean skin, dependable safe bet” to calm the storm after the force’s turbulent recent history.
In the running are hot favourite Mal Lanyon, as well as the current acting commissioner Peter Thurtell, Deputy Commissioner Paul Pisanos, former deputy Mick Willing and two assistant commissioners Peter Cotter and wildcard Rod Smith.
The role has brought with it in recent years intense public scrutiny and relentless media attention, and the ever-present threat of misconduct scandals or mishandled critical incidents have created a perception that the job is exceptionally difficult and carries considerable reputational risk.
Insiders have told news.com.au the very dependable and well respected Mr Thurtell has excelled in the role since he took over from the state’s first female Commissioner Karen Webb, and Mr Minns would be “wise” to let him continue to “steady the ship”.
“Thurtell has got a taste of the top job and knows he can do it,” one senior-placed NSW police officer said.
“Nothing negative has happened under his watch. Every major incident he has taken the lead, not waited or passed it on.
“If there is a critical incident the region commander has to take control but anything he should be in the public eye for, he has been and he’s smashed it.”
Mr Thurtell has appeared on television as part of a panel discussion on domestic violence and appeared in press conferences when issues arise.
He’s impressed the troops on the ground with his humble approach.
“He’s been a region commander, he’s got his battle scars, he has had everything thrown at him and he comes out with flying colours. You can’t put him on the hop, if you try to trip him up you can’t.
“And what’s important is that those who know him absolutely trust him.”
While Mr Thurtell might be popular among the troops, most believe Mr Lanyon is the Premier’s favourite and a “shoe in” for the job.
“He’s been biding his time, networking with politicians and he’s ready for his comeback,” one source said.
Mr Lanyon has a long career in the police force, including heading the state crime command, and has been involved in disaster response and recovery, including leading flood recovery efforts in the Northern Rivers region in 2022.
He missed out on the top job last time round – many say because of a night in February 2021 where he was found intoxicated, laying on the ground in Gouldburn by ambulance officers who later described him as argumentative and agitated.
Mr Lanyon acknowledged his behaviour and sought to apologise personally.
While he was publicly hauled over the coals for the incident he has since found new support in politicians and police alike, with many still saying “he’s the best one for the job”.
“You’d think the government might be worried though about the Merino incident coming up over and over again. The force has copped so much bad publicity, but a lot of cops think Mal knows what he’s doing, is the most qualified, most media savvy and the best one for the job so I most think the Premier will back him and hope people have short memories.”
Mr Lanyon will again go head to head with former sparring partner and fellow deputy Mr Willing.
Both lost out to Ms Webb when Premier Dom Perrotet appointed her the state’s first female commissioner.
Mr Willing says he is an even better candidate today than he was three years ago, and believes he is the best fit to refocus the culture of the NSW Police Force.
After being sacked by Ms Webb shortly after she took office, Mr Willing fought his own demons thanks to the sudden loss of identity but found a new purpose as head of Fortem Australia, a non-for-profit organisation devoted to helping first responders and their families.
Police welfare is likely to be his key platform.
Attracting fewer headlines than the other deputies is Mr Pisanos, best known for his work in regional youth crime.
He’s travelled the state building rapport with troops on the ground in remote country towns, community elders and kids themselves.
He’s passionate about steering them away from a life of crime and into the dozen of diversional programs, trying to give them hope of a better future – while talking tough and vowing to lock up the ones who won’t cop the tip.
“Pisanos is a straight shooting kind of cop who shouldn’t be underestimated,” one colleague said.
“He’s a hard worker and commits to whatever he is tasked.
“History will show the favourites in the past haven’t taken out the prize so he shouldn’t be written-off. Webb certainly wasn’t the favourite, nor was Fuller.”
In the contest to become commissioner, history indicates that the frontrunner isn’t always guaranteed success. Ken Moroney, Andrew Scipione, and Mick Fuller all ascended over more favoured deputy commissioners. Ms Webb was no exception.
And lesser known assistant commissioners should not be written off.
Mr Cotter, now head of Professional Standards, was left to face the media in 2023 after the tasering of 95-year-old grandmother Clare Nowland.
Police were heavily criticised for not mentioning the “taser” in initial media releases. Mr Cotter was the one to confirm to journalists that Ms Nowland had a serrated steak knife in a small treatment room when she moved slowly towards officers and was tasered.
“She had a walking frame but she had a knife,” he said.
Mr Cotter also acted as in the position of Commissioner of the NSW Crime Commission in 2018 and was southern region commander as well as having worked in homicide investigations and is known for his work in victims’ services.
Mr Smith is the former principal of Goulburn Police Academy and heads the State Intelligence Command. His quest for the top job has surprised many.
He joined the NSW Police Force in 1989, enjoying a successful and diverse career for over 30 years.
“We’re a very professional organisation where we recognise professional qualifications, experience and knowledge,” Assistant Commissioner Smith told Police Insight in 2022.
“How you present yourself, your experience, and your qualifications goes a long way in being able to convey yourself and our organisation as a professional one.”
Whoever takes the top job can expect to be thrust into the media spotlight instantaneously and how they convey themselves will be paramount to their success in one of the most challenging roles in the country.
While Ms Webb’s representatives claim her resignation was voluntary, numerous police sources suggest the government actively encouraged her departure due to leaks, persistent media criticism, and concerns about her public performance.
Her supporters say she never stood a chance, with her detractors, including Mr Lanyon and Mr Willing working against her from day one.
“Whoever gets the job they can expect to be watched closely from day one and if they misstep it won’t go unnoticed,” an officer said.
What’s not lost on the rank and file is the fact there is not a female candidate in sight.
“Wether Karen Webb copped it worse because she is a woman, I guess the record books will show, that’s not for me to say, but you can be guaranteed of one thing, no woman will put their hand up any time soon nor will they be considered any time soon,” a senior female officer said.
“I would suggest the powers that be will pick someone who fits the profile of an old school blokey cop. Someone they feel oozes confidence and authority so the public and the media will be on board from day one.
“Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing, I guess time will tell. We will have to watch this space.”
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