Commissioner Chris Dawson

Chris Dawson joined the Western Australia Police Force as a cadet in February 1976, going on to provide 38 years of continuous service in country and metropolitan positions, and has received the Australian Police Medal for distinguished service.

During his time in the WA Police Force he has held numerous significant leadership roles. He played a key part in seeing a new activity launched, when he was the first principal of the WA Policy Academy in Joondalup. As State Commander for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting he had the enormous responsibility of ensuring the security of Heads of State from 53 Commonwealth countries.

Mr Dawson was appointed as the WA Commissioner of Police in 2017. When a State of Emergency was declared in 2020 to deal with the Coronavirus pandemic, Mr Dawson was designated as the State Emergency Coordinator, and has been praised for his leadership and guidance in protecting the health of the WA community.