Publications

At the end of August 2007 Ken Moroney retired from New South Wales Police after 42 years of service. During that time he witnessed, and was part of, some fundamental changes in Australian law enforcement. He rose from a 19-year-old probationary constable in 1965 to commissioner of police from 2002 to 2007, the highest position in the New South Wales Police. He also received various awards, including the Order of Australia, the Australian Police Medal, the National Medal, and an Olympic Commendation (see NSW Police, 2006). I was fortunate enough to interview him during his last month in office, and despite his obvious success, he came across quite humbly, keen to talk about the successes and strengths of others, particularly earlier commissioners Tony Lauer and John Avery, and his successor, Andrew Scipione. The interview was conducted in the plush surrounds of the Commissioner’s Office, high above Elizabeth Street in central Sydney—the kind of office you dream of, with panoramic views of the city. Also present was the chief of staff, Superintendent Mark Hutchings. Moroney had clearly been looking back at his career and was very honest in his answers. The interview took place on August 13, 2007.