 He was also specially commended by the State Premier Robert Askin for devotion to duty and exceptional skill and ability in connection with the conviction of Stephen Leslie Bradley for the murder of Graeme Thorne.Allan was acting deputy-commissioner in 1959 and became Chief Commissioner of Police on 28 February 1962.Known unofficially as "Norman the Foreman," Allan finished his tenure during the years Robert Askin was Premier of New South Wales.