Alumni Impact Awards 2024: DC Olivia Hall's 'Outstanding Investigation'
Monday 7th October 2024
Detective Constable Olivia Hall has won a national Police Now award for leading an ‘outstanding investigation’, which ensured a rapist was sentenced to almost seven years behind bars.
Olivia was Officer in Charge (OIC) of the investigation, following a violent attack last year which saw the victim dragged into an alleyway and subjected to a horrific assault and rape. Olivia worked tirelessly to gather evidence and provide essential support to the victim – whose bravery in coming forward helped bring the man to justice.
The annual ‘Alumni Impact Awards’ celebrate the achievements of officers who have graduated from one of Police Now’s national programmes and have gone above and beyond to reduce or solve crime, problem-solve in their communities, or innovate and lead within policing. Olivia joined City of London Police in 2021 via Police Now’s National Detective Programme.
Eight officers from forces across the country were presented with awards and addressed by Chief Constable Craig Guildford QPM of West Midlands Police at a ceremony in London on Friday (4th October).
Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson said: “The impact these inspiring officers have had on our streets shows that through their training and efforts, we can reduce crime and restore confidence in policing. I congratulate all of the winners and nominees for their service and dedication, and I know they will play an important role in our mission to keep our streets safe.”
WINNER: Outstanding Investigation, DC Olivia Hall
Olivia was appointed Officer in Charge (OIC) of an investigation into a violent stranger rape after the suspect had been arrested, charged and remanded in custody.
The man followed the victim home, dragged her into an alleyway and violently attacked and raped her last year.
Olivia gathered damning forensic DNA evidence – identifying fingerprints on a glass bottle in the alleyway that had been used as a weapon and working with a forensic odontologist to match bite marks with the suspect’s dental profile. She also obtained essential witness statements and data from the suspect’s mobile, placing him at the scene of the crime.
Thanks to the significant evidence, Olivia was able to ensure two additional charges of actual bodily harm and non-fatal strangulation – which he pleaded guilty to – in addition to the original charge of rape.
Olivia was presented with Police Now’s ‘outstanding investigation’ award and was particularly commended for the support she provided to the victim through a harrowing and traumatic ordeal. Whilst specialist officers supported the victim closely, Olivia also kept in regular contact with her throughout the process and secured safe housing and long-term support.
DC Olivia Hall said: “Throughout this case, the welfare of the victim was my absolute priority. It is thanks to her bravery in coming forwards that we were able to pursue this violent offender and remove him from the streets. Although she has now physically recovered from her injuries, she will have to live with the memory of the attack for the rest of her life. I am pleased I was able to help secure a small act of justice for her.
“Pursuing perpetrators of violence against women and girls is a huge priority both for the force and for me personally, as we try to make the city a safer place for all.”
To read about all the winners and runner ups in this year’s Alumni Impact Awards, please click here.
Notes to editors:
- The attack occurred in January 2023 and the offender was sentenced in August 2023.
