NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller says he has a “right to come out and have an opinion” on policing and public safety, and does not resile from his view that “a little bit of fear” aids law enforcement.

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller. Credit:AAP

Mr Fuller was responding to criticism from one-time Australian Federal Police chief Mick Palmer, who earlier this week said he found it “frankly frightening” that Mr Fuller saw an element of “fear” as helping to keep young people on the right side of the law.

The pair are on opposing sides of the debate about pill testing at music festivals and strip-searching of young patrons, with Mr Palmer a strong supporter of pill testing as recently recommended by the NSW deputy coroner.

Mr Fuller remains staunchly opposed and has suggested any weakening of police powers, including strip searches, could lead to a “generation of kids that have no respect for authority.”