Former New South Wales Police Commissioner Peter Ryan has died at the age of 81. Ryan, who was appointed in 1996 by Premier Bob Carr, led the force through a period of significant reform following the Wood Royal Commission into police corruption.
Ryan's tenure was marked by both praise for modernising the police service and controversy. He became a target for criticism from rivals in government and the criminal underworld. He served as Commissioner until 2002, stepping down two years before his contract ended. His payout and reappointment deal made him one of the highest-paid public servants in Australia at the time.
Before arriving in Australia, Ryan had a distinguished career in the United Kingdom. He started as a cadet in Lancashire, held senior roles in London during the Harrods bombing, and later became Chief Constable of Norfolk. He also served as Britain's first National Director of Police Training.
After leaving the NSW Police, Ryan worked internationally as a security consultant. He advised the International Olympic Committee and oversaw security for the Athens Games. His service was recognised with numerous honours, including the Queen's Police Medal and citations for his Olympic security work.
Ryan is remembered as a reformer who steered the NSW Police through crisis, leaving a legacy that continues to shape the force today.
