Andrew Scipione

As a respected leader known for his integrity, compassion and honesty, Andrew Scipione, AO, APM served as the Commissioner of the New South Wales Police Force from 2007 until his retirement in 2017. As one of the longest serving police chiefs in NSW history, Andrew is passionate about making Australia a better place to live. Using his extensive experience, he helps audiences face and handle any challenges they face both now and in the future.

In 1980, Andrew joined the NSW Police Force, spending his time in an array of positions and appointments. Five years later he was appointed into the National Crime Authority as part of an elite group charged with targeting global organized gangs.

In 1992, he was inducted into the rank of Commander, and was in command of all covert electronic surveillance operations for both the National Crime Authority and the NSW Police Force. Between 1992 to 1998, Andrew was also a Senior NSW Police Counter Terrorist Advisor to the Standing Advisory Committee on Commonwealth and State Cooperation for Protection Against Violence.

Being appointed Police Commissioner in 2007, Andrew spent his time working on some of the most challenging events in Australia’s history, including the Lindt Cafe siege and the terror-related assassination of police accountant Curtis Cheng outside Police Headquarters in Parramatta. He also oversaw changes occurring in leadership style, management processes and IT systems as well as recruitment and training regimens and equal employment opportunities. Andrew was responsible for changing the NSW Police Force and bringing it into the 21st Century.

Known for providing strong leadership during his time, Andrew assisted in dropping crime rates to an all-time low. His skills combined with his integrity, compassion and honesty led to a significant growth in community respect for the police.

In 1996, Andrew was awarded the National Medal and in 2003 he was the recipient of the Australian Police Medal. In 2016,  he was named in the Queen's Birthday Honours List and received the Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia "for distinguished service to law enforcement as Commissioner of Police in New South Wales, through advancing the professionalism of policing and leadership of international investigations and counter terrorism activities".

Andrew’s educational background includes a Master’s Degree in Management and a Graduate Diploma in Police Management. He has earned a Graduate Certificate in Security Management as well as received several honorary doctorates for his work.