Karen Webb has served in the NSW Police force for over 30 years and is currently the Deputy Commissioner.

Commissioner Fuller announced his resignation in July this year, noting the job required "enormous energy".

Deputy Commissioner Webb said NSW Police had the right "foundations" thanks to Commissioner Fuller but she wanted to put more focus on helping victims of crime.

"It’s now time for a new leader and a new direction," she said.

"The key focus will be on victims of crime, in particular child abuse victims, victims of sexual assault and victims of domestic violence."

The incoming commissioner said she would direct police back to their more "traditional role" of keeping the community safe after almost two years of focusing on enforcing pandemic health orders.

She said the first priority would be to re-engage with communities and protect people against crime.

"We will have a zero-tolerance for criminals."

Deputy Commissioner Webb said when she first joined the police only 10 per cent of the total organisation were women and she hoped to inspire more to sign up.

She said she was very proud two of her nieces had joined the police force.

"I joined to make a difference and I applied for this job for the same reason."

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this was the most important appointment the government has responsibility for as it's about ensuring public safety.

"Karen has served our state for over 30 years, keeping communities safe across New South Wales with absolute distinction," he said.

"I believe she will do a very, very good job. She has the leadership skills and experience through her time in the police force to lead our state well during this period."

The Premier said Deputy Commissioner Webb would be an "inspiration for women" and Police Minister David Elliott said her empathy for victims stood out to him.

"Her academic qualifications are also second to none ... I think the people of NSW should be very grateful that somebody of the calibre of Karen Webb wants to be in the position of Commissioner," Mr Elliott said.

Deputy Commissioner Webb joined the force in 1987 at the Castle Hill Police Station and later rose through the ranks to the child mistreatment unit and the drug enforcement agency.

She has had wide-ranging experiences in the force and managed many large-scale operations including the NSW bushfire and pandemic responses.

Commissioner Fuller's five-year tenure will end in April next year and he has flagged a shift to the private sector following his retirement.

Mr Perrottet described him as a "Great servant" of the state of NSW and credited him with falling crime rates across NSW.

Commissioner Fuller said he was "Incredibly pleased" by the appointment of Deputy Commissioner Webb and said her depth of experience had led him to promote her twice during his tenure.

"The future of the NSW police force — and its 22,000 employees — is in good hands," he said.

Story By | Paige Cockburn