Neil Paterson APM

Deputy Commissioner, Victoria Police

Neil Paterson is the Deputy Commissioner for the Capability portfolio in Victoria Police. This portfolio includes Professional Standards Command, People Development Command, Gender Equality & Inclusion Command, Service Delivery Transformation Command, Media & Corporate Communications Department and Capability Department.

Neil has had a diverse career with Victoria Police commencing as a Constable in 1988. His career has included roles such as; General Duties positions, Detective positions, in both country and metropolitan policing and a broad range of management roles at the rank of Inspector, Superintendent and acting Commander. In July 2015 Neil was appointed as the inaugural Chief of Staff to former Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton before taking promotion later in 2015 to Assistant Commissioner, Intelligence & Covert Support Command. Neil commenced his current role of Deputy Commissioner in July 2020.

Neil has experienced many highlights over his 30-plus-year career within Victoria Police. In 1998 Neil transferred to the Homicide Squad and solved a missing person (homicide) investigation that had commenced in the 1980’s where he was able to retrieve the deceased and charged 3 offenders in connection with his death.

As an Assistant Commissioner, Neil delivered significant intelligence transformation for Victoria Police including a new Intelligence Doctrine, a new multi-agency model for the management of post-sentence supervision offenders and the delivery of Neo, a new IT intelligence management solution.

In 2020 Neil was included in the Deloitte 50 Outstanding LGBTI+ Leaders Report which recognises role models in the community helping LGBTIQ people and inspiring a new generation of leaders to create a more inclusive workplace and community.

Neil holds a Juris Doctor (Master of Laws), a Graduate Certificate in Applied Management, a Graduate Diploma in Disaster Management and a Diploma in Frontline Management. He is a father to four daughters and enjoys travel, snow skiing and is an amateur wine enthusiast.