Australia's biggest police force finally has a new commissioner after a long search.

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon has been promoted to the top job, ending a months-long search that generated much speculation in the force.

His appointment was announced on Wednesday by NSW Premier Chris Minns and Police Minister Yasmin Catley.

Mr Lanyon was long considered a frontrunner to replace former commissioner Karen Webb, who was the force's first female leader.

He beat other contenders like Acting Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell, Assistant Commissioner Gavin Wood and Deputy Commissioner David Hudson.

He will officially take the reins on October 1.

Mr Lanyon has been a deputy police commissioner since 2019 and in 2024 was seconded as chief executive to the NSW Reconstruction Au

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