Victoria Police appoints new CIO

Victoria Police has selected Assistant Commissioner Steve Fontana to be the force’s next CIO, replacing Jack Blayney, who will retire later this year.

Blayney has been serving in the CIO role since mid-2015. During his tenure he has overseen the implementation of Victoria Police's $227 million Blue Connect program, which has involved the introduction of new mobile devices for fieldwork and body cameras for frontline officers.

“With a large number of information technology projects being rolled out across Victoria Police, the CIO is a critical leadership role in our organisation, and I am confident that Steve is the right person to carry on AC Jack Blayney’s excellent work,” Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said.

Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner Tess Walsh will take over from Blayney as the head of Victoria Police’s Crime Command.

“AC Walsh brings a wealth of operational experience to the role, having led the Western Region for three and a half years, prior to which she was the Superintendent of the Serious Crime Division. This appointment is also a significant milestone for Crime Command which will, for the first time, be led by a female Assistant Commissioner,” he said.

The new appointments will be effective from 30 April.

Image: LinkedIn.com

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