07-05-2025
NSW Police to still embrace culture review recommendations, Karen Webb says
The outgoing commissioner of NSW Police has said the institution will carry out any necessary reforms into the force's culture, regardless of whoever replaces her.
On Wednesday, Police Commissioner Karen Webb confirmed that she would be stepping down from her role, effective from September, marking a tenure of less than four years.
Warning: This story contains confronting details and images.
"I always wanted it to be my decision, rather than someone else suggesting it for me," Commissioner Webb told the ABC on her motivations to retire.
"I'm not going to share my own thoughts and my discussions with my family about when that would be, other than to say that when I knew it was time, then I would make that call. And here we are."
Karen Webb told the ABC that NSW Police is committed to the review and whatever its recommendations are.
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ABC News
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But her decision to resign comes amid an independent review into NSW Police's culture, following allegations of a toxic work environment.
Despite the reality that Commissioner Webb will not be in the job to action any of the ongoing review's future recommendations, she remains confident that any necessary change will still occur.
"There's a commitment by the organisation," she said.
"
We've signed up for this. We're ready for this.
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'I think that work will continue'
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As reported by the ABC, a number of former and current officers alleged they had respectively experienced bullying, racist, sexism, homophobia alongside a dangerous lack of support over recent decades.
One of those former officers included Mel Cooper who, in 1994 during a night shift,
Another allegation included a senior officer
Despite a complaint, that senior officer remained in their role, with NSW Police describing the behaviour as "unprofessional" but not "criminal".
Former NSW Police officer Mel Cooper when she was handcuffed and photographed by male officers on a night shift in 1994.
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Supplied
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Following these initial claims and allegations, NSW Police launched an independent investigation into its culture in October,
But now, seven months later, her decision to leave may mean she will be out of the role by the time the review is handed down.
Photo shows
NSW Police commissioner Karen Webb and NSW Premier Chris Minns
The NSW police commissioner has been described as a "force for change and reform" but her resignation is something her enemies and critics have been calling for years.
It also means she will not be the commissioner to spearhead any of the recommendations made by the review.
When asked by the ABC if she had concerns about this review, Commissioner Webb said — while she won't be able to control things after she's retired — both NSW Police and the state government will be committed to the findings.
"This review is well underway. I've been very clear about what it needs to do. And the review has been set up in phases, so it does give it the best chance of success," she said.
"I've started that work, and I think that work will continue."
