Leanne joined the New South Wales Police Force in May 1988 and performed roles in General Duties and Detectives at several busy inner-city Commands. She obtained her Detectives designation in 1996 during which time she investigated recidivist child sex offenders who targeted homeless children.
In 2002, Leanne was promoted to the rank of Sergeant at the Eastern Beaches Command and was a member of the Commands Response Team during the Maroubra Revenge Attacks post the Cronulla Riots.
In 2006, Leanne was promoted to the rank of Inspector at the Botany Bay Command and transferred to the Redfern Local Area Command as the Crime Manager working closely with the Indigenous community reducing recidivism and building positive relationships. In December 2014 Leanne was a member of the Incident Management Team in response to the Lindt Café Siege.
In 2016 Leanne was promoted to the rank of Superintendent at the Botany Bay Police Area Command and then transferred to Kings Cross Police Area Commander as the Commander in January 2018. Whilst at these Commands Leanne lead significant emergency management exercises and major events with international significance.
In June 2019 Leanne was promoted to Assistant Commissioner – Human Resources Command. Leanne’s passion for welfare and development of people was evident with the implementation of the new police promotions process and The Mental Wellbeing Strategy.
In February 2021 Leanne was appointed as the Region Commander – North West Metropolitan Region. This diverse region is characterised by uniquely challenging geographic, demographic, social and criminal issues. It covers more than 6,200 square kilometres from the Northern Beaches to the Blue Mountains and the Hawkesbury and services more than 1.2 million people. Leanne continues to have a strong focus on reducing domestic and family violence and reducing youth violence in the Region.
Leanne holds a Bachelor’s Degree of Investigation, Graduate Certificate in Applied Management and qualifications in emergency management arrangements. She has received a Commissioners Unit Commendation and in June 2019 was awarded the Australian Police Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.