Deputy police commissioner breaks mould

By SCOTT INGLIS

The country's first civilian woman deputy police commissioner expects some staff will be uncomfortable with her appointment but plans to earn their respect and trust.

Lyn Provost, an experienced state sector senior manager, was yesterday appointed deputy commissioner resource management - the first civilian and woman to hold such a senior police job.

Steve Long, who had been general manager training and professional development at superintendent rank, takes up the key role of deputy commissioner operations.

The appointments, announced by Prime Minister Helen Clark and Police Minister George Hawkins, are the final chapter in a series of changes at the top of the force, which started with the July 1999 departure of former deputy commissioner Barry Matthews to Australia, and later the resignation of disgraced former commissioner Peter Doone.

Mrs Provost will be in charge of human resource management and information technology.

She is at present acting chief executive of Archives New Zealand and is a former assistant comptroller and auditor-general.

Her appointment is seen among the ranks as inevitable and important, given the Incis computer shambles and unpopular changes under Peter Doone.

The Police Association welcomed her appointment.