A new top cop has been named for regional NSW in a reshuffle of hierarchy that has also meant the promotion of Lake Macquarie Police District's commander after only being in the position for a few months.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb announced the broad shake-up on Thursday morning, in which she named newly-minted Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell as the commander of NSW Regional Field Operations.
Mr Thurtell takes over the role - in which he will oversee policing throughout regional NSW - after predecessor Mick Willing was reportedly told in February that his services were no longer required.
Mr Thurtell began his policing career in Sydney in 1985 and worked his way up the ranks, through several commands and departments.
He was commander of Mid North Coast Police District when wanted murderer Malcolm Naden was caught in 2012 and was awarded a Commissioner's Commendation for Service for his role in co-leading the operation.
As Assistant Commissioner in 2020, he established and ran the NSW Police COVID-19 quarantine operation for returning international travellers.
Also among the promotions announced on Thursday, Superintendent Rashelle Conroy was awarded the rank of Assistant Commissioner - she will be in charge of the Forensic Evidence and Technical Services Command.
Ms Conroy was named Lake Macquarie Police District Commander last August, after starting her career in Western Sydney in 1995.
During her time on the force, she has been a supervising Sergeant at Gosford, Hunter Zone Commander and duty officer at Tuggerah Lakes, among other roles.
The Newcastle Herald understands no-one has yet been chosen to take the commander job at Lake Macquarie Police District.
The new appointments, which also include two other high-ranking promotions, will take effect from April 3.
"These four very experienced and well-respected officers bring with them over 130 years of combined service, knowledge and expertise - which will be invaluable to the organisation and community of NSW," Commissioner Webb said.
"The past few years have brought unprecedented change across the world and, in turn, our country and community. We continue to adapt to the changing needs of the public - focusing our efforts on building relationships and trust, encouraging accountability and prioritising victim care."
