Former Victorian colleagues of Linford described her as “decent, highly regarded, intelligent, easy to work with” and “considered”.
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“She’s no pushover,” said one source.
In Queensland, she was the police representative on the Australia-New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee; Australia and New Zealand Society of Evidence Based Policing; Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation; Australian Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime Committee; National Crime Intelligence System Steering Committee; and the Major Events Executive Committee.
The candidates for the Victoria job included Linford, two other interstate senior officers, two serving Victorian officers, the head of an emergency services department and an international commissioner. Former deputy commissioner Sir Ken Jones was considering applying, but, now aged in his 70s, was considered too old to complete a five-year term.
Whoever gets the job will come in at a tough time, with the government committed to reducing police spending, while command looks to increase recruiting and slow a brain drain as hundreds of experienced officers consider quitting. They will also have to deal with an archaic IT system that still has police faxing documents to court.
Shane Patton officially remains in the role as police chief until June.Credit: Paul Jeffers
The successful candidate will replace Shane Patton, who was told earlier this year his contract would not be renewed. But he is still officially in the role until the end of June, which may delay the official start date of the new boss.
The government was blindsided when interim Chief Commissioner Rick Nugent said he would not be applying for the permanent position.
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