"They're worsening around the world, they're worsening here," Graham Ashton said on Monday.

"We want the state in a state of readiness."

Mr Ashton was named on Monday as the permanent replacement for retiring Chief Commissioner Ken Lay, who stepped down from the role in January.

Acting Chief Commissioner Tim Cartwright was an interim appointment as he also intended to retire.

Mr Ashton comes to the role after 41 years in policing - 24 years in the Australian Federal Police, five years in the state's Office of Police Integrity, and five years in Victoria Police.

He has served in several roles focused on counter-terrorism, and was awarded an Order of Australia medal for his leading role in investigating the 2002 Bali bombings.

His stint as a deputy director at the OPI also resulted in more than 200 key reforms.

Mr Ashton, who will take on the role of Chief Commissioner from July, said he would work to strengthen ties between police and young people, Muslim or otherwise, and also address the scourge of the drug ice.

"We have too many ice-addicted drivers running red lights ... it's going to be an issue for some time," Mr Ashton said.

He also said there was no need to change the culture within Victoria Police and he would look to "exploit the positives, not the negatives".

Premier Daniel Andrews said Mr Ashton's strength of character and experience with dedicated counter-terrorism roles would help keep the state safe.

"He can see issues before they become issues," Mr Andrews said.

Police Association secretary Ron Iddles said rural police numbers should be high on the agenda for Victoria's next chief commissioner.

The force has introduced a counter-terrorism related "two up" policy, ensuring police don't go out on the beat alone, and this has put new pressure on police numbers.

"That cannot be sustained unless there are further numbers," Mr Iddles said.

VICTORIA POLICE PAST CHIEF COMMISSIONERS

Tim Cartwright (January to July 2015)

* Acting only - interim appointment while replacement for Ken Lay sought

* Joined Victoria Police in 1974

* Touted for permanent role but always intended to retire

Ken Lay (2011-2015)

* Joined Victoria Police in 1974

* Announced resignation in 2014 as a result of his wife's illness

Simon Overland (2009-2011)

* Began his career with the Australian Federal Police

* Resigned in 2011 after he was criticised for reporting "misleading" crime statistics

Christine Nixon (2001-2009)

* Joined the NSW police in 1972

* First female Chief Commissioner in Australia

* Later appointed chair of the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority