The man tasked with cleaning up the New South Wales Police Force in the wake of one of its darkest chapters, former Commissioner Peter Ryan, has died at the age of 81.
A Commissioner Appointed to Restore Trust
In 1996, then-Premier Bob Carr made a decisive move to restore public faith in the state's police service. He appointed British-born officer Peter Ryan as the new Commissioner, following the damning findings of the Wood Royal Commission into police corruption. Ryan's mission was clear: to lead the force out of a crisis of confidence and implement sweeping reforms.
His tenure, which lasted until 2002, was defined by this monumental challenge. Ryan steered the NSW Police through one of its most turbulent periods, modernising its practices and structures. However, his approach also made him a lightning rod for criticism, drawing fire from political rivals and even attracting threats from the criminal underworld he was determined to dismantle.
A Distinguished Career Spanning Continents
Before his pivotal role in Australia, Peter Ryan had built an impressive career in United Kingdom law enforcement. Starting as a cadet in Lancashire, he rose through the ranks to senior roles in London, including during the Harrods bombing in 1983. He later served as the Chief Constable of Norfolk and was appointed as Britain's first National Director of Police Training.
After stepping down as NSW Commissioner two years before his contract ended, his payout and reappointment deal sparked significant political debate, making him one of the nation's highest-paid public servants at the time.
An International Legacy of Security and Honour
Following his departure from the NSW Police, Ryan continued to apply his expertise on the global stage as a security consultant. His notable postings included:
- Advising the International Olympic Committee.
- Overseeing security for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.
His exceptional service was recognised with numerous honours, including the Queen's Police Medal and official citations for his Olympic security work.
Peter Ryan is survived by his wife and daughters. He is remembered as a reformer who fundamentally reshaped the NSW Police Force, leaving a legacy of integrity and modernisation that continues to influence the service today.
