WA Commissioner of Police Chris Dawson. Photo ABC.
Camera IconWA Commissioner of Police Chris Dawson. Photo ABC. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Chris Dawson appointed WA’s new Commissioner of Police

Aaron CorlettSouthern Gazette

CHRIS Dawson was today appointed as Western Australia’s new Commissioner of Police.

Mr Dawson was WA Police Deputy Commissioner for 10 years and has headed the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission for the past three-and-a-half years.

State Cabinet and Executive Council have approved his appointment for five years.

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Mr Dawson has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, having served in both country and metropolitan positions in WA.

He is also a recipient of the distinguished Australian Police Medal.

In 2011, Mr Dawson led the biggest security operation in WA Police’s history, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

As Deputy Commissioner of WA Police, he was responsible for the serious and organised crime and counter terrorism portfolios.

Mr Dawson will start his new role on August 16, when the current commissioner, Karl O’Callaghan, retires.

Premier Mark McGowan said Mr Dawson had been chosen to provide new leadership to WA Police at a time when they were focused on delivering improved services to the community.

“The Minister for Police and I look forward to working collaboratively with the new Commissioner to tackle some of the problems facing this State and ultimately make it a safer place to live,” he said.

“Methamphetamine continues to wreak havoc in our community and we will work together with Mr Dawson to implement our Meth Action Plan, along with our 100-strong Meth Border Force, to interrupt the supply of meth into WA.”

Police Minister Michelle Roberts said Mr Dawson’s extensive policing experience in organised crime and counter terrorism made him the best person to steer WA Police through policing challenges.

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