RPAS 2026 Speaker Bio

Chris Nicholson

Superintendent, Commander, Aviation Command

NSW Police Force 

Superintendent Chris Nicholson has been in the NSW Police Force for over 30 years and is currently the Commander of the Aviation Command, otherwise known as POLAIR. He is a commercial fixed wing pilot, flight instructor, holds a multi-rotor REPL & was one of the first REOC holders in Australia. He has also previously held the position of Chief Remote Pilot in the NSWPF. His background in policing is a mix of generalist policing, intelligence, aviation and covert operations. He sees himself as a thoughtful, reform‑minded officer, community‑conscious, and willing to address complex and sensitive policing issues.