9 October 2025
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro today confirmed that the process is underway to appoint Martin Dole APM as the 15th Commissioner of the Northern Territory Police Force.
Cabinet has endorsed the appointment of Mr Dole to a four-year-term, with the recommendation now proceeding to the NT Administrator Hugh Heggie for his honour's formal approval.
Chief Minister and Police Minister Lia Finocchiaro said Acting Commissioner Dole, a veteran of NT Police, brings exceptional leadership and a deep understanding of the challenges and commitment required to reduce crime across the Territory.
"Over the past seven months I have worked with Acting Commissioner Dole directly and seen him focus on the interests of frontline officers and community safety," Mrs Finocchiaro said.
"I am confident Commissioner Dole will take the force forward in the interests of the community and our hardworking front line.
"The NT Police has secured the best pay deal in Australia, and I believe now have the best Commissioner to take the force forward.
"Commissioner Dole has had an exceptional career, combining frontline and executive experience across urban, regional, and remote communities.
Commissioner Dole has played a key role in several major initiatives and investigations, including:
In 2014 he oversaw the first protracted murder investigation into the domestic homicide of Carlie Sinclair working with police agencies across three jurisdictions.Was the Detective Superintendent in charge the mass shootings in Darwin in 2019 at the hands of Benjamin Hoffman.Has extensive emergency management experience acting as both Territory controller and Regional controller for southern and northern emergency management events, including the devastating Barkly fires in 2023 and catastrophic flood and cyclone events.In 2017 he completed the residential law enforcement program at the FBI National academy at Quantico in the United States.Has forged strong relationships with law enforcement around the world with extensive knowledge in International and National best practice in policing.Developed and rolling-out of Police Public Safety Officers.Developed and implemented the OC Spray trial.Has achieved measurable reductions in property crime across the Territory.Delivered the recent police Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.
Born and bred in Alice Springs and raised in Yuendumu in his early years, Commissioner Dole carries a deep sense of pride and connection with Aboriginal communities - a perspective that continues to shape his approach to community policing and engagement across the Territory.
Across the Northern Territory, forty-nine police stations and sixteen police posts serve and protect more than 250,000 Territorians. Under the leadership of the Finocchiaro CLP Government, NT Police continues to strengthen its focus on crime reduction, community safety and proactive policing.
Chief Minister and Police Minister Lia Finocchiaro reaffirmed her government's dedicated support for the Northern Territory Police Force and confidence in Commissioner Dole's leadership.
"I have full confidence in Commissioner Dole and look forward to working closely with him to continue driving down crime and improving safety across the Northern Territory, as part of our Crime Reduction Strategy," Mrs Finocchiaro said.
"NT Police has faced significant challenges over many years - now it is time to move forward with strong leadership and a clear focus.
"My government backs our police every shift, every day - demonstrated through the highest police pay rates in Australia and a record policing budget.
"Looking ahead, our priority is reducing property crime, tackling violence and keeping our communities safe."
A ceremony to mark the commencement of Commissioner Dole's tenure will be held at Government House on October 31, to mark 29 years to the day he graduated as constable.
