Jonathan Higgins is the new Deputy Commissioner of Tasmania Police.

Commissioner Donna Adams said today that Mr Higgins had been appointed to the rank of Deputy Commissioner, effective immediately.

“I congratulate Deputy Commissioner Higgins on his appointment as his outstanding management and communications skills ensure he will provide critical strategic leadership in this senior role,” Commissioner Adams said.

“Most recently, Deputy Commissioner Higgins was instrumental in the Tasmania Police response to the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrated leadership in the development of the Tasmania Police Road Policing Services model and the implementation of a four on / four off trial roster at 24 hour stations across the state to support police officers’ wellbeing.  Deputy Commissioner Higgins also led the development of new guidelines for Tasmania Police officers responding to children sexual abuse.

“I’m confident that Deputy Commissioner Higgins’ capability, experience and drive will contribute immensely to positively position, influence and shape Tasmania Police well into the future.”

As Deputy Commissioner, Mr Higgins will be responsible for overseeing a range of portfolios including Professional Standards, as well as holding the position of Deputy State Controller.

He brings to the role more than 23 years of experience with Tasmania Police, having held the position as Assistant Commissioner across both portfolio (Operations and Specialist Support) for the past four years.

Previous roles include being the Commander of Western District, heading up Tasmania Police’s integration with Tasmania Fire Service and the creation of People and Culture within the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management.

Deputy Commissioner Higgins also holds a number of academic qualifications, including a Bachelor of Professional Honours (Leadership and Public Sector Management) 2016 from the University of Tasmania, as well as secondary roles including Australia and New Zealand Counter Terrorism Committee Police Forward Commander.

The appointment is effective from today, Monday 24 October 2022, with Assistant Commissioner Adrian Bodnar taking on the Operations portfolio.

Mark Mewis will be acting Assistant Commissioner Specialist Support while the recruitment process for the second Assistant Commissioner role is undertaken.