Assistant Commissioner Terry Collins has been a member of the NSW Police for more than 30 years. He commenced in general duty policing, specialising in forensic services as a fingerprint expert, then moving into personnel management with extensive experience in human resource management and industrial relations.
A commissioned officer since January 1989, he has held positions of District Staff Officer, Personnel, Hunter; Patrol Commander, North Sydney; District Commander, Northern Rivers; District Commander, Cumberland; Acting Region Commander, North West Region; and Region Commander, Hunter.

Assistant Commissioner Collins received a Commissioner's Commendation for the arrest of three dangerous criminals at Concord while he was off duty. In 1989 he was awarded the National Medal.

He was commended in 1991 for outstanding performance during the rescue and recovery operation following the Newcastle earthquake. In 1996, Byron Bay Council presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding contribution to the community in the wake of New Year's Eve lawlessness, and the development of best practice in events management.
Also in 1996, he received the Australasian Commissioner's Award for outstanding contribution to contemporary Australasian policing for a research project. This research was referenced throughout the final report of the Royal Commission.
Last year, he was awarded the Australian Police Medal for strategic leadership and outstanding contribution to policing and the community of NSW.

As commander of Hunter Region for the past five years, he maintained a very strong focus on mid level and organised crime groups, leading to a number of successful operations.
Operation Sibret in the Newcastle area netted $60 million of amphetamines, and took out an outlaw motorcycle gang involved in heavy vehicle rebirthing and money laundering.

Assistant Commissioner Collins plans to continue this operational focus with the support of his local area commanders in Southern Region.