SIMON Corbell has announced the retirement of the ACT Chief Police Officer, Rudi Lammers in December 2016, bringing to an end a 34-year career as a police officer.

“The Chief Police Officer has recently informed me that after three years as the head of ACT Policing and 34 years in the AFP he will be retiring in December 2016,” Simon said.

“It is fitting that Assistant Commissioner Lammers will finish his distinguished policing career where it began as a recruit 34 years ago.

“I am proud to have worked with Rudi and I thank him for his commitment to ensuring Canberra remains one of the safest places in the world to live.

“The strength of the restorative justice system, the development of the new ACT Policing Pursuits Guidelines, the formation of Taskforce Nemesis to combat the criminal activities of outlaw motor cycle gangs and the creation of the Community Safety and Violence teams are a few examples of Rudi’s commitment to protecting the way of life we all enjoy in Canberra.

“Assistant Commissioner Lammers joined the AFP in 1982 and worked at most police stations throughout Canberra in a range of community policing roles. After joining national operations in 2002 he led a diverse range of areas before returning to ACT Policing as Chief Police Officer in 2013.

“In the Australia Day Honours list of 2011 Assistant Commissioner Lammers received the Australian Police Medal and in 2012 was appointed to the Defence Abuse Response Taskforce to review allegations of sexual and other forms of abuse in the Australian Defence Force dating back to the 1950s.

“Assistant Commissioner Lammers holds a Graduate Diploma of Applied Management, Diploma of Public Safety (Policing), Bachelor of Laws with Honours, a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice and is admitted as a lawyer in the ACT.

“I wish Rudi all the best for the next phase of his life and I look forward to continue working closely with him for the next six months as we transition into new leadership for ACT Policing,” Mr Corbell said.

“I will now consult with the AFP Commissioner over the coming months to appoint a successor in sufficient time to enable a smooth transition period.”