The officer at the forefront of investigations into the Madeleine Pulver collar-bomb hoax has been named Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione's new right hand man.

Assistant commissioner David Hudson, who is widely touted as a contender for the top job, was appointed deputy commissioner by NSW Police Minister Michael Gallacher on Wednesday.

"The government has been impressed in the way Mr Hudson has executed his duties," Mr Gallacher said in a statement.

Mr Hudson's career with the NSW Police Force spans 31 years and he was involved in high-profile investigations into the Lin family murders in 2009 and the 2011 collar-bomb threat of a Mosman teenager.

He's been acting in his new role since October, 2012.

"I am really looking forward to this challenge," Mr Hudson said.

"The main focus of my role will be to ensure that the frontline and those who provide the specialist and corporate support to that frontline have the appropriate skills, resources and knowledge."

Mr Scipione said his new deputy had earned his stripes and had extensive experience working in crime agencies.

"I welcome David permanently to the executive team and the people of NSW can take great comfort in the strength and commitment he will continue to bring to the organisation," he said.

Mr Hudson joined the force in 1981 and after spending time in general duties policing, later transferred to criminal investigations.

In 2005 he was appointed director of operations of the Professional Standards Command and a year later was transferred to the State Crime Command as Manager, Operations.

Three years later he was appointed assistant commissioner, Commander of the State Crime Command, where he was responsible for investigating serious and organised crime.