Mr Patton has been a police officer for 40 years after starting his career as a constable working the van at places such as Coburg in an era before mobile phones and protective vests.

“I’ve grown up from when I was a young man in policing. It’s been my life,” he said. “If you had said to me years ago as a constable driving around in a divisional van … I’d be chief commissioner of police, I couldn’t possibly have envisaged that.”

Mr Patton said while he was most proud of his time working to establish the state’s counter-terrorism response, which ultimately stopped eight attacks in three years, road policing would be a particular focus for him.

He said police conduct and learning from the royal commission into police informers would also be key priorities. And, as deadly riots take over parts of America, he said ensuring community trust here in Victoria was essential.

“We don’t take the trust of the community for granted,” Mr Patton said. “I’ll do the best I possibly can in keeping the community safe.”

Watching on during the announcement was Mr Patton’s wife, Maree, and fellow senior force command colleagues Stephen Fontana, Wendy Steendam and Rick Nugent.

Mr Andrews said the state had looked Australia-wide and even overseas in the search for a new chief commissioner, but Mr Patton’s dedication, passion, skills and understanding of the force were integral to his selection.

“Victoria Police is central to so much of what we do,” Mr Andrews said. “Shane is someone who gets things done.”

Police Minister Lisa Neville said Mr Patton knew the strengths and weaknesses of Victoria Police and where it needed to go.

“Shane Patton has enormous experience within the Victoria Police family and is undoubtedly the right person to lead the force through another important period,” Ms Neville said.

Mr Patton had been considered the frontrunner for the role.

He has been responsible for rolling out a series of hardline policies, including hostile vehicle rules that allow police to ram or shoot the driver of a vehicle that could be used as a weapon against the public.

Police Association Secretary Wayne Gatt said the selection was welcome news for the union and its members.

Mr Gatt said Mr Patton had worked to help bring a welcome and renewed focus on a more visible and proactive frontline police force.

"Deputy Commissioner Patton is a career Victorian police officer and, as such, understands the unique and positive relationship that the Victorian community has with its police – a relationship that we’re confident will continue to grow under his stewardship," Mr Gatt said.

"[He] is highly regarded and well-respected in the Victorian community, having worked in many diverse roles within the organisation over his 42-year career to date. He is, therefore, uniquely placed to support our membership in their difficult role and to drive change where required."

Mr Gatt also took the opportunity to acknowledge the service of the outgoing chief commissioner.

"Graham Ashton has achieved many positive outcomes during his tenure, not least of which has been the large leap forward to improve mental health outcomes for both serving members and retired veterans. This will be his most enduring legacy," Mr Gatt said.

Last month The Age revealed the state government had decided to press on with interviews to find Mr Ashton’s replacement after seriously considering extending his five-year term for several months until the coronavirus crisis stabilised.

It was understood the front runners were likely to have been deputy commissioners Shane Patton, Wendy Steendam and Rick Nugent along with Counter Terrorism Assistant Commissioner Ross Guenther.

Mr Patton, who became a deputy commissioner in September 2015 after 35 years in the force, will take over as chief commissioner of Victoria Police from June 27.