A lifetime in homicide: Detective Chief Inspector Damien Hansen retires after 40 years

The release

When people think about a career in policing, becoming a homicide detective is often seen as the one of the ultimate career aspirations.

Considered the pinnacle of investigative policing, it is a position that requires resilience, compassion, professional judgement and a commitment to justice. For Detective Chief Inspector Damien Hansen, that aspiration became a reality through a career spanning more than 40 years, including 30 years as a detective and 15 years leading the Homicide Investigation Unit (HIU).

As DCI Hansen prepares to retire, he leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond the hundreds of investigations he has overseen. Through mentorship, advancing investigative capability and victim advocacy, he has helped shape the future of homicide investigations in Queensland.

Commencing his service with the Queensland Police Service in 1986, DCI Hansen quickly established a reputation as a driven and competent investigator.

After attaining his detective appointment in 1993, he served across a broad range of criminal investigative roles, including fraud, armed robbery and drugs and counter terrorism.

His career culminated in his appointment as officer in charge of the Homicide Investigation Unit in 2011, a role that would see him lead some of the states most serious, complex and high-profile murder investigations.

Since 2011, he has overseen or provided specialist support to more than 700 homicide investigations, making him one of the most experienced homicide leaders in QPS policing history.

Whether supporting grieving families, guiding investigators through challenging circumstances or navigating the intense media scrutiny and politics that often accompanies major investigations. DCI Hansen has ensured that investigations are conducted with professionalism and integrity.

DCI Hansen said he was often asked about his job and what’s the worst one and what is it like working on some of the most horrific crimes imaginable. But it’s nothing like what you see on TV.

Throughout his career, DCI Hansen has led and supported investigations that made national and international headlines, crimes that have not only impacted victims’ families, but also deeply affected the community too.

Including Operation Tango Pontoon, investigating the murder of Hannah Clarke and her three children Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey; Operation Quebec Clarify, investigating the murder of Toyah Cordingley; Operation Mizzen, investigating the murder of Tiahleigh Palmer and Operation Kilo Intrigue, investigating the murder of Allison Baden-Clay.

While the cases attracted significant media and community attention, colleagues say DCI Hansen’s greatest strength was his ability to lead investigators through extremely complex circumstances, focusing on investigative strategies, regardless of external pressures.