New Emergency Management Commissioner appointed

VICTORIA Police Deputy Commissioner Andrew Crisp has been appointed the state’s new Emergency Management Commissioner.

He replaces Craig Lapsley, who resigned his post at Emergency Management Victoria last week following complaints of bullying.

Mr Crisp, who officially began his time as commissioner on Monday, has almost 40 years of experience in policing roles across regional and metropolitan Victoria and overseas, including key emergency management leadership positions.

As a deputy commissioner, he has led frontline policing services across Victoria as well as the force’s State Emergencies and Support, Family Violence, and Transit and Public Safety commands.

Mr Crisp’s recent achievements include an enhanced focus on the wellbeing of Victoria Police employees, overseeing responses to the Bourke Street and Flinders Street tragedies and leading significant reductions in Victoria’s crime rate.

In recent years, Mr Crisp has led projects to strategically enhance Victoria Police’s aviation and specialist public order and tactical capability.

He has also worked closely with fire agencies for a number of years. Mr Crisp has been a member of the State Emergency Management Team, State Coordination Team and co-chair of the Emergency Management Joint Public Information Committee working through major fires such as Wye River.

“I approach the role of Commissioner with the great sense of responsibility that comes with the position and I look forward to working with EMV staff to deliver positive outcomes for all Victorians,” Mr Crisp said.

“The role of EMV in supporting Victorians during their most challenging times is of critical importance — EMV cannot do that alone and I am committed to working positively with the emergency services sector and others in order to keep Victorians safe.”

Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino said Mr Crisp was one of the most highly regarded leaders in Victoria’s emergency service agencies.

“He has had a diverse and distinguished career at Victoria Police and will undoubtedly bring the capability and leadership required to work with communities and the emergency services sector.

“I’m looking forward to working with Andrew as he leads the dedicated staff of EMV into the organisation’s next phase and as we prepare for the coming fire season.”