After 40 years of dedicated service to the NSW Police, Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell APM is calling time on his long and distinguished career.
Deputy Commissioner Thurtell has decided to retire next month after serving the people of NSW for four decades.
He will be formally farewelled with a ceremony and march out on Friday 13 February 2026 at Sydney Police Centre.
Members of the NSW Police Force will attend to celebrate his remarkable career.
Deputy Commissioner Thurtell joined the force in 1985 and was first posted to Redfern Police Station.
In 1990, he began a career in criminal investigation working in specialist investigation units at the Drug Enforcement Agency and Crime Agencies (now State Crime Command).
During his career, Mr Thurtell held numerous positions and appointments as a criminal investigator and as a commander of regional and metropolitan police commands.
From April 2018, he held the positions of Region Commander at South West Metropolitan and Central Metropolitan Regions.
In March 2022, Mr Thurtell was appointed to the position of Deputy Commissioner, Regional NSW Field Operations and in December 2022, he was appointed to lead Emergency Management for the NSW Police Force and was appointed as the State Emergency Operations Controller.
In April 2024, Mr Thurtell was appointed to the position of Deputy Commissioner, Metropolitan Field Operations.
Commissioner Mal Lanyon has worked closely with Deputy Commissioner Thurtell over many years and thanked him for his commitment to serving the community.
"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 said.
"His contribution to policing spans decades, and his impact will be felt long after his service concludes.
"He has set a standard of professionalism that inspires officers at every level.
"I want to acknowledge his unwavering focus on supporting our people and contribution to helping the community whether in his role as an investigator, commander or in emergencies.
"We are grateful for his service and wish him the best in his well-earned retirement."
Deputy Commissioner Thurtell said being a police officer was one of the greatest achievements of his life.
"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.
"Across four decades, I've had the privilege of working alongside dedicated men and women who show up every day to keep our communities safe. Their professionalism and resilience has always inspired me.
"The challenges have changed over the years, but the mission has never wavered — to protect the public and support those who need us most. I'm grateful to have played a part in that.
"As I look back on my career, I'm proud of what we've achieved together and confident the organisation is in strong hands for the future."
Notable achievements:
- Acting Police Commissioner from Friday 6 June 2025 to Monday 4 August 2025, and then from Wednesday 3 September 2025 to Tuesday 30 September 2025.
- As Commander of Mid North Coast Police District, he co-led the largest policing operation ever undertaken in regional NSW searching for wanted murderer Malcolm Naden for which he was awarded a Commissioner's Commendation for Service.
- In 2020, Mr Thurtell established and led the NSW Police Force's COVID-19 hotel quarantine and repatriation operation for returning international travellers.
- Deputy Commissioner Thurtell has provided direction and leadership to the state's response in supporting communities and preparedness for public safety through emergencies resulting from floods, fires, pandemic, and biosecurity events.
- Mr Thurtell has been the corporate sponsor for domestic and family violence; Aboriginal engagement, multiculturalism and alcohol related crime.
- Deputy Commissioner Thurtell is a recipient of the Australian Police Medal, National Police Service Medal, National Medal, NSW Police Medal, National Emergency Medal, NSW Police Commissioner's Commendation for Service and NSW Police Commissioner's Emergency Commendation.
- He is also a registered legal practitioner with the Supreme Court of NSW.
Expressions of Interest will be open from today for a relieving position, as a formal recruitment process is undertaken to permanently fill the Deputy Commissioner, Metropolitan Field Operations role.
