Tasmania Police will have its first female commissioner in the 125-year history of the force, a three-decade veteran who won an award for her work following the Port Arthur massacre.
Deputy Commissioner Donna Adams will assume the top job in October, following the retirement of Commissioner Darren Hine, it was announced on Tuesday.
"I'm passionate about keeping Tasmania a safe place to live," she told reporters.
"We need to do everything that we can to prevent harm before it occurs. We need to do everything we can to prevent victims from being a repeat victim (and) to disrupt the cycle of harm and violence."
Ms Adams joined Tasmania's police service in 1987 when she was 19 years old, and in 2009 became the first woman promoted to the rank of commander.
"This is an exceptional achievement and is very well deserved," Premier Jeremy Rockliff said in a statement.
Ms Adams became the first female deputy commissioner in 2021 and has won several awards including a Commissioner's Commendation for her work after the Port Arthur massacre in 1996.
She has also been awarded an Australian Police Medal for distinguished service and was recognised by the Australasian Council of Women in Policing as an outstanding investigator.
"Donna is a talented professional who has risen through the ranks of Tasmania Police with a prestigious 35-year career," Mr Rockliff said.
"Donna also has a Masters of Policing and is extremely well placed to provide exemplary leadership and dedication."
She becomes Tasmania's 15th police commissioner upon replacing Mr Hine, who has been in the role for more than 14 years.
