WA's second top cop appointed ACC chief

The deputy commissioner of Western Australia's police force has been appointed chief executive of the Australian Crime Commission.

Chris Dawson, who joined WA Police as a cadet in 1976, will take on the position from April 28 and will be based in Canberra.

He replaces acting chief executive Paul Jevtovic.

Minister for Justice Michael Keenan said Mr Dawson was the best person to lead the commission in co-ordinating intelligence to combat serious and organised crime.

His career highlights include leading reform of the WA police force following a royal commission, and acting as the state commander for the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth.