Victoria's new Chief Commissioner of Police announced

14/11/2011 12:42:09 PM

Ken Lay has been announced as the new Chief Commissioner of Police for Victoria. Premier Ted Baillieu said he was "very confident" he would serve Victoria well, saying he was an outstanding choice after an extensive selection process.

 

Police Minister Peter Ryan said since being appointed acting chief commissioner in June, Mr Lay had done an admirable job.

 

Mr Baillieu and Mr Ryan left a cabinet meeting to make the announcement.

 

Mr Baillieu said he had spoken to Mr Lay about consolidating police command but be had not spoken to him about the circumstances surrounding the controversial departure of his predecessor, Simon Overland.

 

But Mr Baillieu said Mr Lay was very conscious of the need to present a strong unified front.

 

Mr Baillieu said Mr Lay was ‘‘unpretentious’’ as an individual and had been selected from a very strong national and international field. There were 16 applicants for the job.

 

‘‘I’m delighted that Ken has accepted the position and I know that he will do an excellent job,’’ Mr Baillieu said.

 

Chief Commissioner Lay, who was appointed Acting Commissioner in June following the early retirement of Mr Overland, has more than 35 years’ experience in Victoria Police.

 

Mr Ryan said Commissioner Lay had joined Victoria Police in 1974 and was ‘‘well respected by members of the force’’.

Source: The Age.  http://www.vicpolicenews.com.au/more-news.html