Three South Australia Police officers have been recognised in this year’s Australia Day Awards.
As recipients of the Australian Police Medal, the awards recognise their distinguished service.
On behalf of the organisation, SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, offered his congratulations to the officers and noted their contribution to policing in SA.
“Each of these people has offered exemplary service to the state,” he said.
The recipients are:
Chief Superintendent Joanne Shanahan
Chief Superintendent Joanne Shanahan joined the South Australia Police (SAPOL) in 1981 and was designated as a Detective in December 1992. She served in both uniformed and CIB roles, including specialist crime areas, until her promotion to the rank of Inspector in 2002.
She has shown superior leadership and commitment in the field of family and domestic violence with her involvement in this complex area beginning in 1999 as the Officer in Charge of a Local Service Area Family and Domestic Violence Investigation Unit.
In 2013 she was integral to the development of the Multi Agency Protection Service (MAPS), leading the cross-government project team from concept stage to implementation in 2014 when she was appointed as the inaugural Officer in Charge of the Family and Domestic Violence Branch.
Her management contributed significantly to MAPS developing vital resources including case management software, sophisticated risk assessment and triaging systems.
Chief Superintendent Shanahan has provided a voice on both the state and national stage relative to policing domestic violence and is an outstanding advocate for domestic violence victims in the community. She is seen as a leader in this field and highly regarded for her strategic views and experience.
She has excelled in this role, delivering considerable benefits to SAPOL and the South Australian community.
Superintendent Grant Moyle
Superintendent Grant Moyle joined the South Australia Police (SAPOL) in 1976 and was designated as a Detective in June 1989. He has served SAPOL and the community with distinction in roles across metropolitan and country locations.
He is held in high regard for his integrity, honesty, enthusiasm, high work ethic and professional approach. He has developed significant leadership and investigative experience across various prominent roles.
As a senior officer, Superintendent Moyle has driven many initiatives as well as establishing new frameworks, processes and practices regarding the allocation and management of internal investigations which are still in use today.
Superintendent Moyle has represented SAPOL on many national working groups, making an extensive contribution to changes in policy and practices at national and state level, particularly in counter-terrorism.
As the Officer in Charge of Major Crime Investigation Branch he was responsible for managing numerous high profile investigations including a triple murder in Kapunda in 2010, the 2011 murder of 87-year-old Anne Redmond in Seacliff and a double murder in Quorn in 2012. These were performed with the utmost integrity, impartiality and professionalism.
Since 2016 he has served as the Officer in Charge of the Limestone Coast Local Service Area where he has displayed strong leadership among staff and the community.
Detective Brevet Sergeant Mark Hay
Detective Brevet Sergeant Mark Hay joined the South Australia Police (SAPOL) in 1977, initially serving in Holden Hill patrols, Enquiries Section and the Crime Enquiry Unit before being designated as a Detective in July 1990.
In February 1995, he was seconded from Elizabeth CIB to the newly formed Confiscation of Profits Unit to lift the profile of confiscation matters across SAPOL. He quickly learned his craft and became a permanent member in November 1996.
Over a 23-year period with the Confiscation Section, Detective Brevet Sergeant Hay has consistently demonstrated a passion for and commitment to proceeds of crime investigations, recognising its importance as part of the overall strategy against serious organised crime.
He is a highly regarded role model as a result of his professionalism, expertise, mentoring and the advice he has provided to supervisors and managers.
His achievements and invaluable contribution have earned the respect of his peers, managers and internal and external stakeholders involved in this specialised investigation area.
Detective Brevet Sergeant Hay has shown an outstanding work ethic, sustained diligent and ethical service, commitment, dedication and superior performance of duty in the specialised area of proceeds of crime investigations, which has reflected credibility on both him and SAPOL.
