Deputy Commissioner of WA Police Force appointed

24/8/94

Mr Les Ayton (53) has been appointed Deputy Commissioner of the Western Australian Police Force.

Police Minister Bob Wiese said Executive Council had today approved the appointment for a term of three years.

Mr Wiese said Mr Ayton's appointment was in line with a recommendation from Police Commissioner Mr Bob Falconer.

Mr Ayton has been acting Deputy Commissioner since the retirement in November last year of the previous Deputy Commissioner.

The Minister said Executive Council had also approved the appointment of three new Assistant Commissioners for terms of three years each.

They are Commander Mel Hay (47); Chief Superintendent Arthur (Bill) Mott (52); and Chief Superintendent Kingsley Porter (48).

Mr Wiese said the appointments indicated the Government;'s strong support for Mr Falconer which will now enable him to carry out the reform agenda identified by the Arthur Andersen Report and adopted by the police force.

"These appointments put in place the complete leadership team to carry forward the review and reform process which will prepare the Western Australian Police Force for the future," he said.

"For the first time these appointments are for fixed periods, with terms and conditions of employment consistent with other senior appointments within the public sector.

"Furthermore, these appointments are a good mixture of experienced and younger officers who will provide excellent support to the new Police Commissioner, Mr Falconer.

"With these appointments now finalised, the reforms which are needed to guide our police force forward into the next decade can now be carried out."

Media contact:  Paul Plowman 222 9595