Andrew Scipione is entering his last week as NSW police commissioner and it's understood the final decision on his successor won't be confirmed by cabinet until Thursday leaving a short formal handover window.
Mr Scipione officially stands down from his role on April 2.
Eight contenders are vying for the position and it's understood the NSW government is favouring an insider for the top job with one of two assistant commissioners, Mick Fuller and Jeff Loy, best placed to take charge of the $3.5 billion organisation, The Australian reports on Monday.
The shortlist also reportedly includes Deputy Commissioner Cath Burn and former deputy Nick Kaldas, assistant commissioners Geoff McKechnie and Frank Mennilli, along with Deputy David Hudson and Australian Border Force chief Roman Quaedvlieg.
The new commissioner will have little opportunity to learn directly from his predecessor, unless Mr Scipione can be persuaded to act in an advisory capacity or delay his retirement for a second time.
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Mr Scipione was due to retire on July 31, the 10th anniversary of his appointment, but announced in February that he was bringing the date forward.
He previously extended his contract for two years in April 2015, a decision then premier Mike Baird said would "facilitate the transition to a new commissioner".
Applicants are assessed by an independent panel of five before going to NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Police Minister Troy Grant and cabinet.
