Karen Webb

Karen Leanne Webb, (; born 25 December 1969) is an Australian former police officer, who replaced Mick Fuller as the Commissioner of the New South Wales Police Force in February 2022. Webb was the first woman appointed to this office. She left the position on 6 June 2025.

Early life and career Webb was born and raised in Boorowa in the south western slopes of New South Wales, and attended Boorowa Central School.

Webb joined NSW Police in 1987 and previously was responsible for traffic and highway patrol and public transport. Webb stated in 2021 that she "look forward to growing our diversity and inclusion in the organisation".

On 1 February 2022, Webb was formally appointed Commissioner of the New South Wales Police Force.

Webb was criticised for her response to the killing of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies at the hands of an ex-NSW Police officer in February 2024, calling it a "crime of passion".

Following the Bondi Junction stabbings in April 2024, Webb implemented stricter knife laws in NSW.

In August 2024, Webb was accused of using tax-payer funds to buy over 100 bottles, most to be given as gifts. Webb denied the allegations, saying that only 24 had been purchased and she had not drunk any herself. The LECC later accused her of having a conflict of interest with the gin seller, which she admitted to, although said that she was unaware at first because she had only continued to use the same supplier as the previous commissioner. She later outlawed the practice to ensure the mistake will not be repeated. In April 2026 the LECC cleared Webb of any misconduct regarding the gifting of gin.

In November 2024, Webb gave entry-level police offers in NSW a 19% pay rise over four years, and allowed them to work part time.

Webb has called for less police intervention in cases of mental health incidents when there is no immediate danger, saying that mental health professionals are better suited to respond to such incidents.

In 2025 Webb was widely criticised for her handling of the death of Clare Nowland, where her statement on the matter did not mention that she was tasered

In May 2025, police minister Yasmin Catley announced that Webb intended to step down as police commissioner, and would be retiring by the end of September after 38 years in the force. After leaving the position of commissioner on 6 June 2025, she took up a role of special advisor on domestic violence to the NSW government.

Honours and achievements Webb was awarded the Australian Police Medal in the 2015 Australia Day Honours.