Tasmania Police has announced the promotion of two Inspectors to the rank of Commander, and their postings.

Commander Richard Cowling will head the Northern District, while Commander Lauchland Avery will be in charge of the Western District.

Commander Cowling joined Tasmania Police in 1980 and was promoted to the rank of Inspector as the Officer-in-Charge of the Queenstown Division in 1997. His most recent role was Project Manager for the Information Technology Infrastructure and Strategic Reform Program 2015 (IT15) and Police Connectivity and Operational Data Program. He operated at Commander level during various periods of relief, including the State Security Unit, Executive Support, Western District, Northern District and Southern District.

Commander Avery was appointed to Tasmania Police in 1979 and has been an Inspector for ten years. His most recent role was Officer-in-Charge of Devonport Uniform Division. He also has extensive experience serving as an Acting Commander of Northern, Southern, and Western Districts, the State Security Unit, Internal Investigations, Operations Support and Executive Support.

The Acting Commissioner, Darren Hine, congratulated both Commanders on their promotion.

Mr Hine said they had developed the broad range of skills, experience and competencies necessary to be effective senior executive leaders.

“Throughout his career, Commander Cowling has consistently performed at a high level with experience in uniform, criminal investigation, drug law enforcement, Special Operations Group and as the OIC of the Technical Support Unit,” Mr Hine said.

“Commander Avery, meanwhile, has been commended on several occasions for his work and has been awarded the National Police Medal and the Commissioner’s Medal for Ethical and Diligent Service.

“Both officers display exemplary leadership and management skills, and are a credit to the organisation.”

The current Commander of the Western District, Geoff Smith, will become Commander of the Eastern District, while the current Commander of the Northern District, Glenn Frame, will become Commander of Internal Investigations, due to retirements in these areas.

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