NT Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw Appointed AFP Commissioner

ChiefMinister Michael Gunner and Police Minister Nicole Manison today congratulatedNorthern Territory Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw on his appointment as thenew Australian Federal Police Commissioner.

CommissionerKershaw will replace Andrew Colvin, whose five-year term ends on 1 October.

MrKershaw is the third Northern Territory Police Commissioner to take over asboss of the AFP, following Peter McAulay, who took on the job in 1988, and MickPalmer, who moved into the role in 1994.

Arecruitment process will begin immediately for Commissioner Kershawsreplacement.

As stated by Chief Minister Michael Gunner.

CommissionerKershaw has contributed to a safer Territory through his service to the NTPolice Force and I congratulate him on his new role as head of the AustralianFederal Police.

DuringCommissioner Kershaws five years as head of NT Police, he has overseen theimplementation of significant reforms to help stop crime, particularlyalcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour.

Thisincludes the re-introduction of the Banned Drinkers Register, 75 PoliceAuxiliary Liquor Inspectors across the Territory and helping Government to deliveron its promise of 120 extra police into the force all of which have helpedcut violent alcohol-related offending in the Northern Territory to the lowestnumber in 10 years.

As noted by Minister forPolice, Fire and Emergency Services, Nicole Manison.

CommissionerKershaws time at the helm of the NT Police Force has been transformative andhis new role as AFP Commissioner is well-deserved recognition of all he hasachieved here.

CommissionerKershaw has pushed hard for cultural change within the organisation, includingincreasing the numbers of Indigenous members and women.

Hehas helped oversee the construction of the Palmerston Police Station, as wellthe beginning of work on the new Nightcliff Police Station and played a crucialrole in the police response to the June shooting deaths of four people inDarwin.

Iwish him all the best in his new role. Recruitment will start immediately forhis replacement.

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