Detective Superintendent Joe Doueihi, with over three and a half decades of experience as a police officer, has been involved in hundreds of murder investigations throughout his career. He remembers every homicide he’s been to, both high-profile cases and those that didn’t make the headlines. As he takes over as the homicide squad commander, he reflects on the importance of focusing on the victims and their families rather than dwelling on past cases.
For Doueihi, achieving justice for victims and their families is his ultimate motivation as a detective. He finds immense satisfaction in putting offenders behind bars for the crime of murder and being a voice for those who can no longer speak for themselves. While he has been involved in significant cases that have left a lasting impact on him, he prefers not to discuss them in detail and instead remains focused on the task at hand.
After initially aiming to work in the force’s rescue squad, Doueihi’s career path led him to become a detective in the late 1980s. He was recruited to Strike Force Lancer in the late 1990s, targeting an organised crime gang led by Danny “DK” Karam. Despite facing scrutiny during the Wood royal commission into corruption within NSW Police, Doueihi continued to pursue justice in his roles as a detective, combatting stereotypes around his Lebanese heritage and dedicated to his work.
As he steps into his new role as homicide squad commander, Doueihi inherits a significant workload that includes 53 active murder investigations and a team of over 140 staff. Taskforce Atlas, established in response to a landmark inquiry, is reviewing all unsolved homicides in NSW, with a focus on cases of potential gay hate crimes. Beyond this, Doueihi plans to review the squad’s operating procedures to ensure effectiveness in solving cases.
Despite the challenges that come with such a high-profile job, Doueihi remains determined and dedicated to achieving justice for the victims of murder. He praises his predecessor, Danny Doherty, for the work he has done in leading the homicide squad, and looks forward to continuing that legacy. With a passion for the work that still burns strong after over three decades in the force, Doueihi is ready to face the challenges that come with his new role and continue his mission of seeking justice for those affected by crime.
