Deputy Commissioner Paul Taylor has announced his immediate resignation from the Queensland Police Service after an inquiry into domestic violence and police culture heard he made a lewd comment during a speech at a leadership forum.
The evidence was heard this week as part of the Commission of Inquiry into QPS Responses to Domestic and Family Violence.
The inquiry heard the Deputy Commissioner referred to a friend of his as a "vagina whisperer" during a speech to 100 staff members at a conference in Brisbane in April.
"It was never my intention to offend anyone, and I am deeply apologetic for the harm it has caused," he said in a statement.
"I was remorseful immediately after the incident, and the Commissioner addressed the matter with me soon after."
The Deputy Commissioner said he had given his "heart and soul" over the 45 years he has served in the police force.
"I am devastated about the impact this has had on the reputation of the service, because it does not reflect my values, nor those of the organisation."
Taylor urges public to keep faith in police
Deputy Commissioner Taylor urged the public to keep faith in the police force and said the organisation was evolving and taking on modern values.
"In the past two to three years, the service has undergone an incredible amount of change to enhance our culture, processes and how we deliver services," he said.
"The public should have confidence that this is a great organisation, with terrific people who care so much about the community across the vast state."
Deputy Commissioner Taylor was one of two senior officers singled out in the inquiry, accused of making inappropriate remarks about women on two separate occasions earlier this year.
The second incident heard of a master of ceremonies who joked that a visible cut on his face was the result of a "rough promotional process" during a police conference in March.
The inquiry heard a superintendent in the audience called out, "did she shut her legs on you?"
Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll confirmed that superintendent was promoted to Chief Superintendent four months later.
Commissioner Carroll was not at the conference but condemned the actions while giving evidence to the inquiry.
"It's deeply disrespectful and it is misogynistic," she told the inquiry.
"It's happened twice now this year and to say that I was upset and appalled, having regard to the reform work that we're doing, is probably an understatement."
The Queensland Police Service is yet to respond to the ABC's request for comment.
