Shane Patton is the new leader of Victoria's 20,000 police officers, more than 40 years after joining their ranks.
Victoria's next chief commissioner, 58, joined the police family as a cadet in 1978.
Premier Daniel Andrews on Tuesday announced Mr Patton, a current deputy commissioner, will take over the role of his boss Graham Ashton when he steps down at the end of June.
DC Patton has vowed to ensure police are visible on the streets and other public spaces during his five-year tenure.
His ascension to the top job comes after a lifetime patrolling Victoria's capital city, including time spent as a detective and police prosecutor.
Mr Patton said he believes ensuring police are seen doing their jobs will be crucial to achieving community safety and engagement in the years ahead.
"It's about visibility of our police officers, out there on the roads, out there in the public places, out there in the streets," he told reporters on Tuesday.
"That will be very high on my list of things to continue elevating."
He joined Victoria Police as a young man because he wanted to move from the city to the country and because his older brother was already in the force.
But it quickly became apparent to him that policing was his "calling".
"When you start to make a difference, when you can help people, when you can hold people to account, when you can make society better, it very quickly grows upon you," he said.
Mr Patton said he was honoured to have the chance to lead the force that has become his "second family", or sometimes his first.
The premier said Mr Patton has proven he has the passion to lead the organisation, along with the skills and common sense.
"Shane is someone who gets things done. I rate that, I value that, and I can't think of a better person to lead Victoria Police over the next five years," Mr Andrews told reporters on Tuesday.
Police Minister Lisa Neville praised the new Victoria Police leader's understanding of the force, and the authenticity she said he will bring to the role.
Opposition Leader Michael O'Brien welcomed the new commissioner and wished him well ahead of the big job in from of him.
Patton's extensive career as a Victorian police officer also granted him a vote of confidence from the Police Association.
"(He) understands the unique and positive relationship that the Victorian community has with its police, a relationship that we're confident will continue to grow under his stewardship," a PA statement said.
Australian Associated Press
