NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb resigns

ABC NEWS (Australia)

After barely three years in the job, Karen web has made the surprising decision to resign as the police commissioner of New South Wales. She's the first woman to have held the position. Commissioner Webb had her share of detractors from the beginning. She's announced her resignation just months after the ABC exposed allegations of a systemically toxic work culture, spanning decades.

Transcript

00:00She's been described as a trailblazer and now Karen Webb is also the shortest serving

00:07top cop since the 1980s, announcing she won't be seeing out the rest of her five year term.

00:14I always wanted it to be my decision rather than someone else suggesting it for me.

00:18This has been a big three and a half years.

00:21As the state's first female commissioner, Webb admits there have been highs and lows.

00:26She came under fire several times for her public handling of major incidents, while also

00:32enduring a consistent campaign of criticism from media and rivals within the force.

00:38Is that gendered or not?

00:40It's hard for me to say.

00:42Some may argue yes and others may say no.

00:45Among her achievements is launching the Independent Culture Review, following an ABC investigation

00:51which uncovered allegations of a long-standing toxic culture driving officers out of the

00:57job.

00:58But that review has barely begun.

01:00I won't be able to control things after I'm retired.

01:03What I've done though is set this up for success.

01:06This review is well underway.

01:07I've been very clear about what it needs to do.

01:11She hoped to announce her resignation on the 38th anniversary of her recruitment.

01:16Her service has been loyal, it has been long, it has been dedicated and I thank her for that

01:21and I wish her well.

01:22The Premier and the Police Association both praised the outgoing Commissioner for her lasting

01:28legacy of positive change for the force.

01:31Webb will officially finish up in September.

01:33I think, for sure, with the specific circumstances, what she wants to do, she's from the British

01:47Marina and the Queen.

01:50But the third is a positive process.

01:54What she wants to do in October.

01:56What she wants to do in October?

01:59What is her commitment to the Awality?

Category

Transcript

Recommended