Law Enforcement Conduct Commission probing departing NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb again

The police watchdog has launched a second investigation into outgoing commissioner Karen Webb, this time over her use of an electrical contractor.

The police watchdog has launched a second investigation into outgoing commissioner Karen Webb, this time over her use of an electrical contractor.

The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) is understood to have in recent months been investigating the former top cop and her use of the tradie in a personal capacity.

It is understood the same contractor had been employed to carry out work for the NSW Police Force.

Sources said the LECC had carried out hearings amid its investigation into Ms Webb, with a number of witnesses called before the watchdog for the probe.

The Daily Telegraph suggests no wrongdoing by Ms Webb, only that an investigation is ongoing.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb (left) is under investigation over her use of an electrical contractor. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

A NSW Police spokeswoman was contacted for comment on behalf of Ms Webb.

Police Commissioner Yasmin Catley said she was unaware of a second LECC investigation into Ms Webb.

The LECC is already running another much-publicised investigation into Ms Webb, the state’s first ever female top cop, over the purchase of bottles of gin as gifts for dignitaries during her time in office.

Ms Webb’s office purchased 100 bottles of gin from the distillery of her close friend Michael Hope in the Hunter Valley, with taxpayers’ money.

The LECC originally cleared Webb of breaking any rules in purchasing gin from her Mr Hope’s distillery, but the watchdog only investigated Ms Webb’s original purchase of 50 gin bottles.

It was later revealed a total of 100 gin bottles were purchased, as well as 200 oak gift boxes – with the total cost to the taxpayer in excess of $11,000.

“I would like to reiterate that the purchase of alcohol for ceremonial gifts and charitable donations was a tradition I continued as commissioner, continuing with the same supplier as previously used,” Ms Webb said in a statement last year.

“I was not aware before the first order was placed that the manufacturer was Hope Estate.”

In May it was revealed the LECC had reopened its investigation, which remains ongoing.

Ms Webb announced during the same month she would be resigning from the role of commissioner in September this year, bringing to an end an almost 40-year career.

But over the next three months leading up to her departure, Ms Webb will be working as a senior adviser to Domestic Violence Prevention Minister Jodie Harrison – while continuing to receive her salary of almost $680,000.

Commissioner Karen Webb will retire in September, bringing to an end a career spanning almost 40 years. Picture: NewsWire / Simon Bullard

Ms Harrison said Ms Webb has been a “vocal advocate” for tackling family violence.

“Commissioner Webb will play an essential role in consulting with other jurisdictions to ensure we are taking informed action that works,” she said.

Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell is currently acting as the state’s top cop, on the recommendation of Ms Webb to Premier Chris Minns, until the state government chooses a new commissioner.

The advertisement for a new commissioner was posted online last week and is only open for applications until June 25.

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Originally published as Law Enforcement Conduct Commission probing departing NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb again