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 Operational Support Directorates.

She is also the force lead for violence against women and girls (VAWG) and plays an active role in community policing as Chair of the Avon and Somerset Local Resilience Forum – a multi-agency partnership which plans and prepares for emergencies. 

Jo also has regional responsibilities as the South West regional lead for the portfolios of Disaster Victim Recovery and Casualty Bureau, and Counter Terror Specialist Firearms Officers.

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 Operational Support
• Force lead for VAWG
• Chair of the Avon and Somerset Local Resilience Forum
• Regional lead officer for Disaster Victim Identification and Casualty Bureau
• Regional lead officer for Counter Terror Specialist Firearms Officers

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

• Strategic Firearms Commander
• 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.