- Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Decorated senior Victorian police officers Ross Guenther and Neil Paterson were today appointed as Deputy Commissioners at Victoria Police.
The appointments will fill a newly created Deputy Commissioner position within Police Command as well as the vacancy left by former Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton, who was appointed Chief Commissioner in June 2020.
Victoria Police will now have four Deputy Commissioners, with the additional role to focus on counter terrorism.
Ross Guenther APM has served as Assistant Commissioner, Counter Terrorism, since 2015, and has more than 35 years' experience in policing, specialising in specialist operations and Crime Command.
He brings a wealth of operational policing experience to the role, having led the establishment of Victoria Police's first integrated counter-terror response.
He was awarded an Australian Police Medal in 2016 and holds a Master's Degree in Criminology from Bond University.
Neil Paterson APM has served as Assistant Commissioner, Intelligence and Covert Support Command, since 2015, and brings more than 32 years' experience in Victoria Police to the role.
He has extensive experience working across the organisation, including international policing and the intelligence community.
He was awarded a National Medal in 2005 and an Australian Police Medal in 2017 and holds a Juris Doctor from Monash University.
Both Deputy Commissioners have been appointed for five years and commence in the role from today. The Chief Commissioner will assign Deputy Commissioner portfolios soon.
As noted by Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville
"I am very pleased to announce the appointment of former Assistant Commissioners Neil Paterson and Ross Guenther as Deputy Commissioners - forming a core part of the police leadership team."
"All Victorians can be proud to have two experienced and senior police officers leading Victoria Police as it works to respond to these unprecedented challenges and support a safer community."
