Chris Dawson praises the work of Mid West police in his final trip to Geraldton as Police Commissioner

Outgoing WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson spent one of his final days in the role in Geraldton, thanking Mid West police for their hard work as he prepares to leave the force after 43 years of service. Mr Dawson is set to finish up his duties as police commissioner in two weeks before retiring from the police force. He has been appointed to replace Kim Beazley as WA’s Governor. He was in Geraldton when news broke that the Supreme Court of South Australia had found drug trafficker Domenic Perre guilty of murdering WA detective Geoffrey Bowen in a parcel bomb attack 28 years ago in Adelaide. Det-Sgt Bowen, 36, had been seconded to work at the now-defunct National Crime Authority in Adelaide when he was sent a parcel bomb in 1994. Perre had sent the bomb to Det-Sgt Bowen’s office in revenge for investigating his family in connection to Italian organised crime. Mr Dawson said the verdict was a “result that is needed for justice in Australia” and that “justice had been served”. “This was an outrageous crime against justice in Australia. “We do not ever forget and we do not ever give up anyone that thinks that they can commit these sorts of outrageous crimes after 28 years.” Mr Dawson thanked SA Police and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, who investigated the crime with a joint task force, with the assistance from law enforcement bodies from across the globe, including in WA. “This was a very dedicated, complex investigation over many years,” he said. “It has a clear message that law enforcement will pursue and will bring people to justice.” Previously in his police career, Det-Sgt Bowen had been stationed in Geraldton. Mr Dawson said it was great to have the opportunity before he departed the force to visit the Mid West and show his appreciation. “I caught up with a few (police officers) yesterday. I just wanted to reinforce my thanks and support for the work that they have done, what they are doing, and what they are yet to do,” he said. Mr Dawson said the wonderful result in the rescue of Cleo Smith last year showed the dynamic, complex and yet very rewarding job that police do. “That was one of the reasons why I wanted to come here because they go through supporting both victims of crime, the tragedies that we have to deal with in supporting community members and families as well,” he said. WA Deputy Commissioner Col Blanch will be Mr Dawson’s successor.