Long-serving deputy police commissioner announces retirement

Queensland deputy police commissioner Cheryl Scanlon will retire at year’s end, after a nearly four decade career with the service.

Scanlon joined the service in 1986, aged 19, and became an inspector 20 years later.

In announcing her retirement, Scanlon said her heart will always be with investigating.

“Policing has been my life, and criminal investigation has always been my passion. I have never taken lightly the trust placed in me or the privilege of serving the Queensland community,” she said.

She was appointed the detective superintendent in charge of child safety and sexual crimes in 2016, and after two years took a job as the chief superintendent for the Crime and Corruption Commission.

In 2020, she returned to the QPS proper as an assistant commissioner, before taking up the title of deputy commissioner in January 2024.

“I’ve had the privilege of serving in a wide range of roles and locations across Queensland. Each role has shaped me, challenged me and provided opportunities to work and connect with exceptional people,” Scanlon said on Friday.

Acting commissioner Brett Pointing said Scanlon’s true imprint on the service will be with the people she served with.

“Deputy Commissioner Scanlon is an exceptional and collaborative leader who has dedicated her career to protecting Queenslanders, pursuing justice for our most vulnerable victims and leading through some of the Service’s most challenging moments,” he said.

“While her achievements are extraordinary, her greatest legacy will be the people she empowered and the lives she changed.”

Looking back, Scanlon said the work had not been easy.

“All homicide investigations have significant impacts on families, police and the broader community, but there are two in particular that stand out as the toughest,” she said.

“Leading the investigative response to the devastating homicide of eight children in Cairns as the Regional Crime Co-ordinator in 2014 was incredibly difficult and complex for everyone involved.

“As the senior responsible officer to deliver the brief of evidence to the Coroner for the Wieambilla tragedy, I experienced the profound impact on everyone involved, and while those circumstances were incredibly challenging, I was continually inspired by the professionalism, courage and resilience shown by our officers and staff.

“Both were devastating on every level.”

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.