Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell APM has retired from the NSW Police Force after four decades of exceptional service spanning regional and metropolitan commands.
Officers gathered to farewell Deputy Commissioner Thurtell's and celebrated his long career at a ceremony and march out at Sydney Police Centre today (Friday 13 February 2026).
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, Deputy Commissioner Thurtell held numerous positions and appointments as a criminal investigator in fraud and commercial crimes.
He became a crime manager when he reached the rank of Inspector at Chifley Police District in 2000, before he was appointed as Superintendent at Manning/Great Lakes Police District Command in 2005. He was also Mid North Coast Police District Commander.
Deputy Commissioner Thurtell moved back to Sydney to take up position as Superintendent at St George Police Area Command in 2017.
In 2018, he became a Region Commander at South West Metropolitan Region before moving to Central Metropolitan Region in 2021.
In 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 2024, Mr Thurtell was appointed to the position of Deputy Commissioner, Metropolitan Field Operations.
Deputy Commissioner Thurtell was also appointed Acting Commissioner in 2025.
Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the organisation farewelled a dedicated officer and wished him well in his retirement.
"I thank Deputy Commissioner Thurtell for his years of professional and dedicated service," Commissioner Lanyon said.
"Working for 40 years in any organisation is a significant achievement, let alone in a job as challenging as policing.
"Deputy Commissioner Thurtell's leadership and commitment to the NSW Police Force as a criminal investigator, commander in regional and metropolitan areas, emergency services management and senior leadership roles is greatly respected.
"He leaves a lasting legacy and I hope he enjoys his well-earned retirement."
Deputy Commissioner Thurtell was born in the country and grew up on a farm outside of Orange.
While he started a trade, he was inspired to join the police force after his brother enjoyed working at the Mounted Unit.
"There was never one day that was the same in my policing career. There was always something happening and that is one of the reasons I stayed for all these years," Deputy Commissioner Thurtell said.
"While I will miss my colleagues and the work, I am looking forward to having a rest. Although I plan to continue to work in a reduced capacity.
"I have enjoyed many roles in my career and I particularly valued my work in emergency services management.
"I am proud to have protected and supported communities of NSW and I am grateful for the policing family I have worked with over four decades."
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.
