Emma (Emmanuela) Watson

Emma established herself as a premier investigations and compliance executive following an distinguished 27-year career with the NSW Police Force, one of Australia's largest law enforcement organisations. As Director of Investigations at the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), Emma was responsible for leading national investigation strategies, coordinating complex regulatory compliance operations, and directing high-stakes investigations involving serious offences under the Heavy Vehicle National Law, particularly cases involving fatalities and serious injuries.

Emma has demonstrated exceptional capability in establishing robust accountability mechanisms for investigative operations, regulatory compliance, and professional standards management. Her strategic focus encompasses human resources leadership, operational excellence, and regulatory framework development, whilst incorporating innovative investigation methodologies and performance management systems across all aspects of her work. This leadership excellence was exemplified through her successful transformation of the NHVR's investigative capabilities and the implementation of nationally consistent enforcement standards.

Throughout her executive career, Emma has worked effectively with all levels of government (Federal, State, and Local) alongside regulatory bodies, legal practitioners, and community stakeholders. She has successfully collaborated with senior executives across law enforcement agencies, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission, and various oversight bodies. Her expertise in managing sensitive, high-profile investigations has been recognised through multiple commendations and professional acknowledgements.

Emma has performed in various executive roles including Detective Inspector for Professional Standards Command, where she led complex police misconduct investigations and operations with responsibility for professional investigation standards across NSW Police Force commands. As Inspector - Duty Officer, she maintained operational oversight of multiple portfolios including strategic crime management, emergency response coordination, and comprehensive staff welfare programs. Her role as Acting Superintendent demonstrated her capability to perform at the most senior operational levels within large-scale law enforcement organisations.

As Director of Investigations at NHVR, Emma was responsible for developing and implementing high-quality investigative policies and procedures, providing strategic advice to executives on critical regulatory matters, and overseeing the effective delivery of investigation services to inter-governmental stakeholders. Her portfolio included managing complex budget allocations, performance frameworks, and strategic resource deployment across national investigation teams.

In her Detective Inspector role with Professional Standards Command, she maintained responsibility for leading sensitive police misconduct investigations, managing HR portfolios including injury management and professional development, and providing specialist consultancy support to Police Area Commands and specialist units. She successfully overhauled performance management systems and delivered comprehensive training programs for investigation personnel across the organisation.

Her operational expertise encompasses major crime investigations including fraud, anti-money laundering operations, cybercrime, coronial investigations, and organised crime syndicate operations. Emma has presented evidence before High, Supreme, District, Local, and Coroners Courts, and has maintained ongoing liaison with the NSW Department of Public Prosecutions and regulatory oversight bodies regarding complex court matters.

Emma's strategic leadership in emergency management was demonstrated through her role as Chief Warden and WHS Committee member, where she facilitated large-scale deployment responses including Operation Vaccination (COVID-19 vaccination site security) and various COVID-related emergency responses. Her cultural transformation initiatives have successfully improved organisational performance through strategic change management and regular stakeholder communication.

Transitioning her expertise beyond traditional law enforcement, Emma has maintained strategic focus on regulatory compliance, professional standards, and investigative excellence. Her comprehensive understanding of legislative frameworks, regulatory compliance requirements, and workplace safety standards positions her as a subject matter expert in governance, risk management, and organisational accountability.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Emmanuela holds a Bachelor of Policing (Investigations) from Charles Sturt University (2007), Advanced Diploma of Policing Investigation from NSW Police Force (2005), Graduate Certificate in Applied Management from Australia Institute of Police Management (2021), and Diploma of Government Investigations from KPS Training (2023). She has completed specialist training in Human Source Management and Whistleblowing through PICA (2024) and Conveyancing Law and Practice through Macquarie University (2023). Additional qualifications include Certificate IV in Human Resources and Close Personal Protection Course (dignitary protection).

AWARDS:

NSW Police Medal, National Medal, and National Police Service Medal awarded for years of ethical and diligent service; Award for organisation and deployment to COVID Operation at Sydney Vaccination Centre; Commander's Commendation for high-level drug manufacture (Strike Force BILDERA); Nominated for Rotary Police Officer of the Year; Various awards for acknowledgement of professional police work and community service.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS:

Director of Investigations - National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (February 2023 – October 2024) Oversaw development and implementation of national investigative policies and procedures, provided strategic advice to executives on critical regulatory matters, directed investigations of serious offences under Heavy Vehicle National Law, managed performance and resources including budget allocation and staff development, led implementation of best practice investigative processes.

Detective Inspector/Investigations Coordinator - NSW Police Force Professional Standards Command (December 2019 – February 2023) Led complex police misconduct investigations and operations, managed comprehensive HR portfolios, provided specialist consultancy support to commands, reviewed critical incident investigations, delivered specialist training, liaised with oversight bodies including LECC.

Inspector - Duty Officer - NSW Police Force (March 2016 – December 2019) Oversaw multiple portfolios including customer service, mental health, professional standards, managed command responsibilities including complaint management and business planning, controlled serious incidents and emergency management situations, implemented misconduct prevention strategies.

Detective Sergeant/Squad Coordinator - NSW Police Force State Crime Command (April 2014 – March 2016) Coordinated resources to meet service delivery needs, ensured compliance and effective squad management, monitored performance data and provided advice to senior management, performed operational investigative duties.