NSW’s top crime fighter to receive Western Sydney University honour

Andrew Scipione

Former New South Wales Police Commissioner, Andrew Phillip Scipione AO APM, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from Western Sydney University in recognition of his outstanding service to the people of NSW.

The University will honour Andrew Scipione’s lifetime contributions, with Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Barney Glover noting his strong leadership as Commissioner alongside his service to the School of Social Sciences and Psychology at Western Sydney University.

“Western Sydney University values the leadership Andrew Scipione demonstrated throughout his successful career, and we are proud to have him contribute his invaluable experience to our students as an Adjunct Professor,” said Professor Glover.

“As Police Commissioner for a decade and one of the longest-serving Police Chiefs in New South Wales’ history, Andrew Scipione’s leadership led to a dramatic fall in crime rates and a growth in community respect for our police force.”

In acknowledging the honour, Andrew Scipione AO APM said, “Growing up in Western Sydney shaped my outlook on the state and I am proud of my history with the region. It also makes this award from Western Sydney University all the more poignant. It was with great pride that I served the people of New South Wales.”

Mr Scipione was raised in Sydney’s South West and joined the NSW police force in 1980 where he worked across a broad range of divisions and offices before he was promoted to Commissioner in 2007.

Mr Scipione was awarded the National Medal in 1996 and Australian Police Medal in 2003. In June 2016, he was named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List and received the award of Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia.

Andrew Scipione will be awarded with an Honorary Doctorate at Western Sydney University’s graduation ceremony, 12pm on Friday, 4 May 2018 at the University’s Parramatta South campus.

For more information, contact Western Sydney University’s Media Unit at media@westernsydney.edu.au.

Ends

27 April 2018

Photos: Sally Tsoutas

Clare Patience, Senior Media Officer

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