AFP Assistant Commissioner Ray Johnson will be the ACT’s new Chief Police Officer (CPO) when he takes on the role from 12 November.
A highly accomplished police officer and Canberra local, Assistant Commissioner Johnson has taken on a full range of community policing and investigations duties, both within ACT Policing and across Australia, since joining the AFP in 1985.
He started his policing career in Canberra where he undertook both community policing and detective duties.
Assistant Commissioner Johnson said he was delighted to be taking on the role of ACT CPO after decades in the AFP.
“I was born and grew up in the region and I have spent over a third of my career in ACT Policing so I feel very privileged to have this opportunity to return to community policing.
“I look forward to building on the efforts of Assistant Commissioner Justine Saunders and her predecessors, ensuring ACT Policing continues to meet the challenges of the future and the needs of the Canberra community,” Assistant Commissioner Johnson said.
ACT Minister for Police Mick Gentleman expressed pleasure in welcoming Assistant Commissioner Johnson into the role when he made the announcement on 17 October.
“I know his experience across local, national and international policing issues will be of great value to the service and the wider Canberra community,” Minister Gentleman said.
“I have no doubt the close working relationship between the ACT Government and ACT Policing will continue with the appointment of Assistant Commissioner Johnson.”
Minister Gentleman also thanked outgoing ACT CPO Assistant Commissioner Justine Saunders “for her unwavering commitment to keeping our community safe”.
AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin said Assistant Commissioner Johnson has the right combination of skills and experience to ensure ACT Policing continues to provide excellent service to the Canberra community.
“The appointment of Assistant Commissioner Johnson, one of our most senior and experienced officers, is recognition of the importance of the role of CPO to the ACT community, and I echo the Minister in welcoming him to the role,” Commissioner Colvin said.
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