The Northern Territory Cabinet has endorsed the appointment of Martin Dole APM as the 15th Commissioner of the Northern Territory Police Force.
Chief Minister and Police Minister, Lia Finocchiaro today confirmed the Cabinet has endorsed the appointment of Mr Dole to a four-year-term, with the recommendation now proceeding to the NT Administrator Hugh Heggie for formal approval.
Mrs Finocchiaro said Acting Commissioner Dole, a veteran of NT Police, brings exceptional leadership and a deep understanding of the challenges and commitment required to reduce crime across the Territory.
“Over the past seven months I have worked with Acting Commissioner Dole directly and seen him focus on the interests of frontline officers and community safety,” she said.
“I am confident Commissioner Dole will take the force forward in the interests of the community and our hardworking front line.
“The NT Police has secured the best pay deal in Australia, and I believe now have the best Commissioner to take the force forward.
“Commissioner Dole has had an exceptional career, combining frontline and executive experience across urban, regional, and remote communities.
Commissioner Dole has played a key role in several major initiatives and investigations, including:
- In 2014 he oversaw the first protracted murder investigation into the domestic homicide of Carlie Sinclair working with police agencies across three jurisdictions;
- Was the Detective Superintendent in charge of the 2019 Darwin mass shootings investigation;
- Has extensive emergency management experience acting as both Territory controller and Regional controller for southern and northern emergency management events, including the devastating Barkly fires in 2023 and catastrophic flood and cyclone events;
- In 2017 he completed the residential law enforcement program at the FBI National academy at Quantico in the United States;
- Developed and rolling-out of Police Public Safety Officers;
- Developed and implemented the OC Spray trial;
- Delivered the recent police Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.
Born and bred in Alice Springs and raised in Yuendumu in his early years, Commissioner Dole carries a deep sense of pride and connection with Aboriginal communities – a perspective that continues to shape his approach to community policing and engagement across the Territory, the Government said in a statement.
“I have full confidence in Commissioner Dole and look forward to working closely with him to continue driving down crime and improving safety across the Northern Territory, as part of our Crime Reduction Strategy,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.
“NT Police has faced significant challenges over many years – now it is time to move forward with strong leadership and a clear focus.
“My government backs our police every shift, every day – demonstrated through the highest police pay rates in Australia and a record policing budget.
“Looking ahead, our priority is reducing property crime, tackling violence and keeping our communities safe.”
A ceremony to mark the commencement of Commissioner Dole’s tenure will be held at Government House on October 31, to mark 29 years to the day he graduated as constable.
