Katarina Carroll named Queensland's first female police commissioner

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Katarina Carroll will take over as Queensland’s new police commissioner from Ian Stewart, the government announced on Tuesday.

This makes her Queensland’s 20th police commissioner and the first woman to fill the role in the service’s 159-year history.

Carroll is the current fire and emergency services commissioner. She spoke to The Mandarin about her experience reforming Queensland Fire and Emergency Services a few years ago.

The commissioner started her policing career on general duties before rising to detective and then leadership roles in the drug squad, crime operations and ethical standards. In 2010 she became assistant commissioner, then took a leadership role in planning and operations of the G20 Summit in Brisbane before taking the role of fire and emergency services commissioner in December 2014.

Carroll will replace Ian Stewart when he retires in July.

“This is a proud day for the commissioner and for Queensland,” said Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

“She has worn the uniforms of two branches of our emergency services and stood by us in our toughest times, including Cyclones Debbie and Marcia not to mention the 2018 bushfires.

“When our police go to work each day, they willingly put themselves in danger to keep us safe.

“Katarina is one of those people with that special courage and community spirit.

“Now I am asking her to keep all of us safe and to guide our police service.

“I know police and our state are in good hands.”

Police Minister Mark Ryan said her selection came after an international search.

“Commissioner Carroll has the respect and friendship of so many police around the state and for good reason,” Minister Ryan said.

“She has served not just the people of Queensland but has also played vital roles in a number of national and international groups including the Australia and New Zealand Counter Terrorism Committee for Command.”

Carroll expressed her pride in being a part of the police.

“To now lead this group of men and women is humbling.”