Leanne joined the New South Wales Police Force in May 1988 and performed roles in General Duties, Pro-active Crime Teams and Detectives at a number of busy inner-city Commands. She obtained her Detectives designation in 1996 during which time she worked on a pedophile task force investigating recidivist child sex offenders who targeted homeless children. This investigation ultimately led to the arrest and conviction of a number of high-risk child sex offenders.
In 2002, Leanne was promoted to the rank of Sergeant at the Eastern Beaches Command. Whilst at this Command Leanne was a member of the Commands Major Incident Response Team which was activated during the Maroubra Revenge Attacks post the Cronulla Riots.
In 2006, Leanne was promoted to the rank of Inspector at the Botany Bay Command. During this time, she accepted a six-month secondment opportunity at the Department of Premier and Cabinet developing the Crime Prevention Framework. In 2009, she transferred to the Redfern Local Area Command as the Crime Manager collaborating closely with the Indigenous community reducing recidivism and building positive relationships with NSWPF.
In 2013, Leanne was selected as the Staff Officer, Professional Standards Command & in 2014 she accepted the position of Staff Officer, Central Metropolitan Region. In December 2014 Leanne was a member of the Incident Management Team in response to the Lindt Café Siege.
In 2016 Leanne was promoted to the rank of Superintendent at the Botany Bay Police Area Command and then transferred to Kings Cross Police Area Commander as the Commander in January 2018. Whilst at these Commands Leanne developed ‘SydEx2018’ the Emergency Management Full Field Exercise at Sydney Airport designed to test a major emergency management response. Leanne was also the Forward Commander for significant major events including NYE, Madi Gras and International Dignitary visits and selected for the Task Force Pioneer Cadre.
Following a 12-month relieving opportunity Leanne was promoted to Assistant Commissioner – Human Resources Command in June 2019. As the Commander – Human Resources Leanne developed and implemented the new police promotions process with a strong focus on leadership and capability, The Mental Wellbeing Strategy, The Inclusion and Diversity Strategy combined with the Inclusion and Diversity Council, The Aboriginal Employment and Engagement Strategy and enhanced the health and wellbeing of staff by introducing the completion of the Physical Capacity Test prior to confirmation as a Constable and the Health and Wellbeing Command Manual.
In February 2021 Leanne was appointed as the Region Commander – North West Metropolitan Region. The North West Metropolitan Region comprises of 12 Police Area Commands each characterised by vastly different and uniquely challenging geographic, demographic, social and criminal issues. It covers more than 6,200 square kilometers from the Northern Beaches to the Blue Mountains and the Hawkesbury and services more than 1.2 million people.
During this period, she facilitated boundary realignments for Ryde, Nepean, and Hawkesbury Police Area Commands and conducted a comprehensive operational review of the Nepean Police Area Command. She oversaw a Senior Leadership Team project which was a thorough review of the SLTs roles and responsibilities, with a specific emphasis on enhancing the roles of Duty Officers and Crime Managers to improve capability and operational efficiency. Currently, a steering committee has been established to review the 25 recommendations stemming from this project.
In addition to being appointed as the Region Commander, Leanne was also appointed as the Corporate Sponsor for Domestic and Family Violence. Domestic and Family Violence is a major priority for the NSW Police Force and Leanne continued to focus on victim support, offender accountability enhancing the focus on child/adolescents.
In July 2022, Leanne was also appointed as the Corporate Sponsor for Youth with a strong focus to reduce Youth Violence through a two-tiered approach including prevention, early intervention and diversion and an Anti-Violence Education Package.
During 2023 Leanne was a participant of the Pearls in Policing – International Action Learning Group where the cohort explored emerging strategic issues relevant to the future of policing through future-oriented, innovative thinking.
In July 2024, Leanne was appointed Corporate Sponsor for Sexual Diversity, Intersex, Aging and Disability. She eagerly anticipates the challenges and opportunities that these new roles will bring and is committed to enhancing processes and fostering effective collaboration, emphasising the importance of building strong relationships within and beyond the organisation.
Leanne holds a Bachelor’s Degree of Investigation, Graduate Certificate in Applied Management, and qualifications in emergency management arrangements. She has received a Commissioners Unit Commendation and in June 2019 was awarded the Australian Police Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Leanne has been married to John for 33 years, a retired police officer and they have two children and two grandchildren.
When not at work, Leanne loves training including boxing, weights and circuit training. Leanne also enjoys relaxing with family and friends.