Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) boss Chris Dawson has been appointed as the new Police Commissioner for Western Australia.

The former WA Police deputy commissioner will replace Karl O'Callaghan, who has announced plans to retire after serving in the role for 13 years.

There were 10 candidates for the top job.

WA Premier Mark McGowan and Police Minster Michelle Roberts made the announcement, saying Mr Dawson had the experience for such an important role.

Mr McGowan described Mr Dawson as "one of the most accomplished police officers in the entirety of the country".

"Chris has the experience, he has the depth, he has the knowledge, he has the drive to take our police forward into the future."

"He has a strong record of achievement in Western Australia in a whole range of areas and his resume is incredibly strong," he said.

Mr Dawson will officially take on the role on August 16, two days after Commissioner O'Callaghan retires.

Mr Dawson did not take questions from reporters but made a brief statement at the media conference.

WA Premier Mark McGowan and Police Minister Michelle Roberts announced Chris Dawson (right) will be WA's new police commissioner. ( ABC News: Sarah Collard )

"Western Australia is fortunate to have a great police force. The public should rightfully expect that our police are honest, that they respond quickly to trauma and treat everyone with respect and professionalism," he said.

"We must be relentless in protecting the vulnerable and we must exercise our powers with fairness in serving the community and bringing justice to all.

"Police alone cannot prevent crime and harm, so jointly building and maintaining trust with the community and alliances with our partner agencies will be central to my approach as Commissioner of Police."

He said the last three years at the ACIC had been rewarding and "supplemented" his 38-year police career in WA.

"There's much to be done. I'll continue to focus on doing my duty, it's my favourite phrase, in policing … doing your duty."

Domestic violence, methamphetamine use 'top priorities'

Police Minister Michelle Roberts revealed there were four candidates shortlisted for the job and Mr Dawson was the recommendation she took to Cabinet.

At today's announcement, the Premier said he had identified methamphetamine use and domestic violence as two issues that required urgent attention.

"I am sure Mr Dawson will make sure they are top priorities in Western Australia," Mr McGowan said.

Mrs Roberts said she too would be looking at the results the new commissioner would be able to achieve.

"I will be following the crime rates, the response rates, how we're responding on domestic violence and I'll also be looking at things like road safety and the road toll and serious injuries," she said.

"It's those outcomes that I think myself and the community will be looking to Mr Dawson on."

Mr McGowan and Mrs Roberts also used the announcement to publicly thank the outgoing Commissioner for his 13 years of service to the people of Western Australia.

"I think he's served with distinction in the role of Commissioner of WA police," Mrs Roberts said.

WA police union president George Tilbury said Mr Dawson's experience with WA Police would serve him well. ( ABC News )

The WA Police Union, which is embroiled in a pay dispute with the Government, has welcomed the appointment of Mr Dawson.

Union president George Tilbury said the new commissioner would come to the role "with familiarity" having served 36 years with the WA Police, as well as "extensive national exposure" as head of one of Australia's largest criminal intelligence organisations.

"His experience in counterterrorism will provide Mr Dawson with essential knowledge about the dangers our members face on a daily basis in our changing world," he said.

"There are a number of outstanding issues that I hope we can effectively resolve for the betterment of policing in Western Australia.

"I wish Mr Dawson every success."

Mr Tilbury also thanked the outgoing Commissioner for his service, saying he wished him the best for his future endeavours.