[4] Negus holds a master's degree in Public Policy and Administration, and a Graduate Diploma in Executive Leadership.

[5][6] Negus started his law enforcement career in traffic operations[1][7] in Canberra in 1982,[6] and later as a detective in the Australian Capital Territory.

[1] He worked in community policing, federal investigations, human resources, and protection[5] as well as in national operations in Brisbane, Sydney, and Canberra.

[5][6][8] One year later, in July 2006, Negus was appointed National Manager of Human Resources, with responsibility for learning and development, professional standards, and people strategies.

[5][6] He stepped down from his role as Commissioner at the end of his term in September 2014 and was replaced by his former deputy Andrew Colvin.