Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall
Jo joined Avon and Somerset Police in February 2023 as Assistant Chief Constable (ACC), following distinguished stints working for both South Wales and Devon and Cornwall police forces. Much of her career has been spent in criminal investigations (CID).
After initially joining South Wales Police as police staff, Jo became a Police Constable in 1999, patrolling Barry and the Vale of Glamorgan. She moved to Devon and Cornwall Police two years later, and very quickly chose the Detective pathway for her career.
She has worked across investigations at every rank, leading teams in CID, sexual offences and domestic abuse, intelligence, public protection and major crime investigation as a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO). During the 2021 G7 summit in Cornwall, she was the public face of the policing operation, leading the Communications and Briefing teams.
In addition to her role as Assistant Chief Constable, Jo leads investigations of serious and organised crime, with overall responsibility for the Investigations and public protection.
She is also the force lead for violence against women and girls (VAWG) and the regional lead for Counter Terror Specialist Firearms Officers.
Jo also has national responsibility as the lead for the portfolios of Disaster Victim Recovery and Excess Deaths.
Jo says:
“I am a third-generation police officer and I always wanted to join the police. I am really proud of the job we do and wouldn’t choose another career.
“Investigation, and bringing some of the most serious offenders to justice, has always been a particular passion of mine and, prior to joining Avon and Somerset Police, I was proud to lead as a Force Senior Investigating Officer.
“Tackling the significant issue of VAWG is another key priority, both for myself and the force as a whole.
“I am committed to creating an environment, both within policing and in our communities, for women and girls to pursue their lives free of fear and harassment.”
Key responsibilities
- Assistant Chief Constable, CID and Public Protection
- Force lead for VAWG
- National lead officer for Disaster Victim Identification and Excess Deaths
- Regional lead officer for Counter Terror Specialist Firearms Officers
Biography
2025 – Portfolio change to have responsibility for CID and Public Protection. Operational Support is now under ACC Shields.
2023 – Joined Avon and Somerset Police as Assistant Chief Constable with responsibility for CID and Operational Support
2023 – Chief Superintendent – Head of Crime, Devon and Cornwall Police
2022 – Superintendent – Chief of Staff, Devon and Cornwall Police
2020 – Superintendent – Head of PPU, Devon and Cornwall Police
2018 – Detective Chief Inspector – Deputy Head of Major Crime Investigation Team, Devon and Cornwall Police
2014 – Detective Chief Inspector in CID
2011 – Detective Inspector in Intelligence and CID
2009 – Sergeant in Criminal Investigations Team
2005 – Chose the detective pathway and became a Detective Constable in CID
2002 – Moved to Devon and Cornwall Police as a response officer
1999 – Became a Police Constable on patrol
1998 – Joined South Wales Police as a member of police staff working in the File Preparation Unit
Career highlights
- As Communications and Briefing Lead during the G7 event, Jo led a community-based approach to policing an international event
- As the Head of Public Protection, Jo was force lead for Vulnerability and Child Safeguarding and South West regional lead for Adults at Risk, working with strategic partners across four local authorities.
- As Deputy Head of a force-wide Major Crime Investigation Team, Jo successfully delivered as a force SIO and Kidnap and Extortion SIO in numerous major crime and homicide investigations.
Qualifications, awards and recognition
- Public Order Public Safety Gold Commander
- Strategic Firearms Commander
- Senior Authorising Officer
- Multi-Agency Gold Incident Commander
- Strategic Command Course
Personal life
- Jo is married, with one son.
- She is passionate about spending time outdoors with her family and their dog.
- In her free time, Jo can normally be found at the beach or supporting her son playing various sports.