On the Couch with Deputy Commissioner of Police Linda Williams APM LEM

On Wednesday 27 August 2025, IPAA SA had the privilege of hosting a candid conversation with Deputy Commissioner of Police Linda Williams APM LEM, one of South Australia’s most influential law enforcement leaders.

This On the Couch session gave attendees a rare opportunity to hear about the Deputy Commissioner’s leadership journey, from her early days in policing to her current role, where she continues to champion community-focused approaches and greater diversity in law enforcement.

The conversation explored leadership in complex environments, the evolving landscape of public safety, and the everyday realities of modern policing. Deputy Commissioner Williams shared practical, honest reflections that resonated with emerging and established leaders alike.

Participants left with valuable insights, practical strategies, and renewed perspective on what it means to lead with purpose and integrity in the public sector.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this insightful and engaging session.

Learn about our speakers

Deputy Police Commissioner Linda Williams APM LEM

Deputy Police Commissioner
South Australia Police

Deputy Commissioner of Police Linda Williams APM LEM, directly supports the Commissioner of Police in his responsibility for the safety and protection of the state, serving 1.8 million South Australians, over one million square kilometres, while leading an organisation of nearly 6,000 employees.

Linda is a career police officer with over 40 years of experience after joining SAPOL as a cadet. She has worked across a diverse range of areas including frontline policing, prosecutions, internal investigations, crime prevention, road safety, counter terrorism and policy development.

Appointed as Deputy Commissioner of Police on 21 July 2015 after twelve years in SAPOL’s senior management and executive team, Linda is responsible for managing all operational statewide police activities to satisfy existing and emerging community needs, and all SAPOL strategic projects as the chair of the SAPOL Strategic Programs Board.

Linda holds tertiary qualifications including a Bachelor of Law with Honours, Bachelor of Arts, Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, Graduate Certificate in Management, Graduate Diploma in Applied Criminology and Police Management and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Nationally, Linda is the South Australian representative on the Australia New Zealand Counter Terrorism Committee (ANZCTC), Chairperson of the ANZCTC Technical and Scientific Response Sub Committee, a member of the Australian Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime Committee and a member of the Defence Employer Partnering Network.

In South Australia, Linda is a Director on the Police Health Board and the Flinders Foundation Board, as well as an Ambassador for Football SA.