Victorian local knowledge is key: Nixon

Christine Nixon has paid tribute to retiring Chief Commissioner Ken Lay, and says local knowledge is key to the job.

After 41 years in the force, Mr Lay resigned yesterday to care for his wife, Chris, as she battles a serious illness requiring treatment over the next 12 months.

Ms Nixon, a former Victoria Police chief commissioner, said she was proud of what her former chief of staff had achieved.

The search for his replacement will go worldwide, but she says local knowledge is important for the job of Victoria's top cop.

"You can't underestimate it," she told ABC radio today.

"I came in as outsider in 2001, but Ken came in and had such a long history and good knowledge."

When Ms Nixon first met Mr Lay he was working in Wangaratta. She described him as a quiet, determined man who was very community focused.

She said people loved working with him because of his "wonderful" sense of humour.

Potential local candidates include Deputy commissioner Tim Cartwright, as well as Deputy Commissioner Lucinda Nolan, who has previously refused to rule out a tilt for the job.

Mr Lay had left shoes so big, Ms Nolan joked that Premier Daniel Andrews might find himself without any applicants.

"No one wants to take over after Ken, trust me," she said.

"Ken is a wonderful, authentic, compassionate chief commissioner.

"He has been such a stabilising chief for Victoria Police."