Assistant Commissioner Nigel Ryan has 27 years policing experience with the Australian Federal Police (AFP). From 2008 to 2013, he was the advisor to the Commissioner of Police for media and political issues. Between 2013 and 2015, he was responsible for the implementation and management of the Federal Government’s National Anti-Gangs Squad initiative.
During 2014, Assistant Commissioner Ryan was responsible for the AFP’s coordination of the MH17 disaster in the Ukraine and the response from the Australian Government. Assistant Commissioner Ryan was promoted to Commander in 2017 as the Manager responsible for the AFP’s International Engagement and International Liaison network and performed the role of Commander Professional Standards from 2018 to 2019. Since 2002, Assistant Commissioner Ryan has been a recognised drug expert after having studied with the National Crime Squad of England and Wales at Cambridge University. This work has also resulted in an ongoing role with the National Rugby League as the AFP’s drug liaison and presenter to the player register. He has also provided drug presentations to a range of high-profile Australian sporting teams.
Assistant Commissioner Ryan has a Bachelor Degree in Policing Studies, a Diploma in Project Management and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Management. He attended the Defence and Strategic Studies Course at the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies at the Australian Defence College in 2016, graduating with a Master of Arts (Strategic Studies) from Deakin University. Assistant Commissioner Ryan was promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner in 2019 into the role of Chief of Staff; and since July 2020 has performed the role of Assistant Commissioner Crime Command, where he has responsibility for a broad remit including Intelligence & HUMINT, Covert & Technical capabilities, and operational strategy relating to Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime. AC Ryan was also the senior responsible officer in the AFP for Operation Ironside, including managing the global and domestic resolution in 2021.
In June 2022, Assistant Commissioner Ryan was awarded the Australian Police Medal in recognition of his distinguished service, particularly in relation to drug enforcement, crime disruption, and international policing.