Police Minister Paul Papalia has announced Deputy Commissioner Col Blanch would run WA’s 7000-strong force, with outgoing Commissioner Chris Dawson to become the state’s new governor next month.

Over his 30-year career Blanch has held several high-profile roles including chair of the WA State Emergency Coordination Group, he was the executive director of intelligence for the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, and Australian Crime Commission state manager for Victoria.

6PR news reporter Jake Battrick said Blanch (pictured above with his wife and son), a regular on Gareth Parker’s Breakfast program every Wednesday, had an impressive CV.

“He spent a few winters in Canberra, he’s basically been in the top role while Chris Dawson has been Vaccine Commander for the past 18 months, he oversaw the operation that found Cleo Smith as well,” Battrick told Liam Bartlett on 6PR Mornings.

Tap PLAY to hear more about Col Blanch and his appointment