The Commissioner of Police has announced three senior appointments within the Department of Police and Emergency Management (DPEM).

Commander Richard Cowling has been appointed to the position of Assistant Commissioner (Planning and Development), after the retirement of Mr Phil Wilkinson.

“As a member of the executive team, the position provides input in setting the strategic directions for the DPEM to ensure continual improvement in its organisational and operational performance,” said Commissioner of Police, Darren Hine.

“The Assistant Commissioner leads the implementation of flexible and innovative use of resources across technology, equipment and staffing. Another important part of the role is providing strategic and operational command of major emergencies, incidents and operations,” said Mr Hine.

Assistant Commissioner Cowling joined Tasmania Police in 1980 and has worked in a range of roles including Inspector on the West Coast, in CIB and has acted in the role of Assistant Commissioner. Most recently Mr Cowling has served 4 years as the Commander of the Northern District.

“Assistant Commissioner Cowling has experience across police operations and procedures, tactical command and the ability to respond strategically to complex operational and business challenges,” said Mr Hine.

There have also been two promotions to the position of Commander; Commander Robert Bonde has been appointed to Professional Standards and Commander Brett Smith has been appointed to the Northern District.

Both Commanders bring high-level leadership skills and extensive experience in emergency management to their new roles.

Commander Robert Bonde has more than 38 years’ experience and has worked in a variety of areas of the department, including Professional Development Services, Human Resources and as Liaison Officer to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

He also served a two year period of secondment to the position of Assistant Director of Prisons Tasmania Prison Service (Department of Justice).

In his 32 year career, Commander Brett Smith has worked in the Special Response and Counter-Terrorism Unit and Inspector in charge of Bellerive Division, Southern District Support Services and Search and Rescue Services.

“I congratulate Assistant Commissioner Cowling and Commanders Bonde and Smith on their appointments to these challenging roles. The appointments are effective immediately,” said Mr Hine.

Other movements within Tasmania Police include:
> Commander Glenn Frame – Southern District
> Commander Peter Edwards – Executive Support
> Commander Mark Mewis – Operations Support
> Commander Tony Cerritelli – Human Resources