After almost 40 years of distinguished service to the community of Queensland, Deputy Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon APM, Specialist Operations, has announced she will retire from the Queensland Police Service, bringing to a close one of the most accomplished and influential careers in Queensland policing.
A trailblazer across some of policing's most demanding portfolios, Deputy Commissioner Scanlon will step down at the end of 2026.
Leading many of the Service's most significant and complex major investigations and operations with an unwavering commitment to public safety, Deputy Commissioner Scanlon has played a pivotal role in driving reforms across child protection, sexual violence, youth crime, ethical standards and counter-terrorism.
Acting Commissioner Brett Pointing said Deputy Commissioner Scanlon's contribution to policing would be felt long after her retirement.
"Deputy Commissioner Scanlon is an exceptional and collaborative leader who has dedicated her career to protecting Queenslanders, pursuing justice for our most vulnerable victims and leading through some of the Service's most challenging moments," Acting Commissioner Pointing said.
"While her achievements are extraordinary, her greatest legacy will be the people she empowered and the lives she changed."
A proud investigator at heart, Deputy Commissioner Scanlon said her professional highlights has been serving as an investigator at every rank.
"Policing has been my life, and criminal investigation has always been my passion. I have never taken lightly the trust placed in me or the privilege of serving the Queensland community," Deputy Commissioner Scanlon said.
"I've had the privilege of serving in a wide range of roles and locations across Queensland. Each role has shaped me, challenged me and provided opportunities to work and connect with exceptional people.
"The specialist capabilities across this organisation have been nothing short of outstanding, and I have been privileged to work alongside some remarkable people throughout my career."
Strategic and decisive in difficult moments, calm under pressure and relentless in pursuing better outcomes, Deputy Commissioner Scanlon has earned respect across state, national and international policing jurisdictions, partner agencies and government.
"Throughout my career, I've always valued working collaboratively at the strategic and operational level across agencies, disciplines and jurisdictions to achieve the best outcomes for the community. Collaborative leadership is critical when dealing with complex community safety issues," Deputy Commissioner Scanlon said.
Deputy Commissioner Scanlon said some of the most challenging moments of her career was the investigative oversight of major incidents and tragedies and witnessing the devastating impacts.
"All homicide investigations have significant impacts on families, police and the broader community, but there are two in particular that stand out as the toughest," Deputy Commissioner Scanlon said.
"Leading the investigative response to the devastating homicide of eight children in Cairns as the Regional Crime Coordinator in 2014 was incredibly difficult and complex for everyone involved.
"As the senior responsible officer to deliver the brief of evidence to the Coroner for the Wieambilla tragedy, I experienced the profound impact on everyone involved, and while those circumstances were incredibly challenging, I was continually inspired by the professionalism, courage and resilience shown by our officers and staff.
"Both were devastating on every level."
Since starting her policing career as a 19-year-old in 1986, Deputy Commissioner Scanlon has led with integrity, guided by strong values and an unwavering commitment to protecting and serving the community.
Among her many professional achievements, Deputy Commissioner Scanlon is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) National Academy USA, an opportunity that recognised her leadership, collaboration and lifelong learning.
While remaining an integral member of the Senior Executive Leadership Team until her retirement later this year, the Queensland Police Service recognises Deputy Commissioner Scanlon's extraordinary contribution to policing and the stronger QPS she helped build.
A career with the Queensland Police Service offers diverse roles, unique challenges, and the chance to make a real difference every day. From emergency response and crime prevention to community engagement and public safety, no two days are ever the same.
From our bustling cities to remote towns and pristine coastline, policing in Queensland offers a career and lifestyle as diverse as the communities you'll serve.
Looking for a career that stands for more? Stand with us in a challenging and rewarding career. Visit policerecruit.qld.gov.au to apply now.
