👮‍♂️ Redfern-Started Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell Retires

Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell APM is set to retire next month after an extraordinary 40-year career with the NSW Police Force, a journey that notably began right here in Redfern. Mr Thurtell, a highly respected figure in policing, will be formally farewelled at a ceremony and march out on Friday, 13 February 2026, at the Sydney Police Centre.

Joining the force in 1985, Deputy Commissioner Thurtell's first posting was to the Redfern Police Station, a site with deep historical roots in NSW policing. The Police Depot itself was relocated to Redfern in 1907, and it served as the primary centre for education and training, known as the Police Training Centre and later the Police Academy, between 1953 and 1984. This significant starting point in Redfern launched a career marked by dedication and leadership.

Throughout his four decades, Mr Thurtell held a diverse range of critical roles. After an initial period in general duties, he moved into criminal investigations in 1990, working with specialist units such as the Drug Enforcement Agency and what is now the State Crime Command. He went on to command regional and metropolitan police forces, including the South West Metropolitan and Central Metropolitan Regions from April 2018.

Key Leadership in Emergency Management and Beyond

In March 2022, Mr Thurtell was appointed Deputy Commissioner, Regional NSW Field Operations. Later that year, in December 2022, his expertise was pivotal in his appointment to lead Emergency Management for the NSW Police Force, taking on the crucial role of State Emergency Operations Controller (SEOCON). This position entails providing leadership and coordination for emergency management across the state, chairing the State Rescue Board and the State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC), a role that gained increased prominence following recommendations from the 2022 flood inquiry to bolster the state's disaster response capabilities.

His impressive career also saw him act as Police Commissioner on two occasions in 2025, from June 6 to August 4, and again from September 3 to September 30. Other notable achievements include co-leading the extensive policing operation to find wanted murderer Malcolm Naden and establishing the NSW Police Force's COVID-19 hotel quarantine and repatriation operations for returning international travellers in 2020. He has also provided significant leadership during floods, fires, and biosecurity events.

Commissioner Mal Lanyon lauded Deputy Commissioner Thurtell, stating, “Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell has been an exceptional leader whose dedication, integrity and commitment to community safety have shaped this organisation for the better.” Commissioner Lanyon extended gratitude for his unwavering focus on supporting police personnel and contributing to community safety across all his roles.

Deputy Commissioner Thurtell reflected on his service, saying, “It has been an honour to serve the people of NSW for more than 40 years. Policing has given me a purpose, a community, and a career I’m incredibly proud of.” He acknowledged the professionalism and resilience of his colleagues and expressed confidence in the future leadership of the organisation.

Expressions of Interest are now open for a relieving position as the formal recruitment process commences to permanently fill the Deputy Commissioner, Metropolitan Field Operations role.