OFFICERS and staff from Thames Valley Police have been recognised for their contributions to major investigations.
Members of the force who had played parts in two Major Crime Unit investigations were awarded at a commendation event by the chief constable on Wednesday, November 23.
They were recognised at the event at the Cotswold Hotel and Spa near Chipping Norton on 23 November.
Detective Superintendent Andy Howard, Detective Sergeant Chris Cooper, Detective Constable Julia Winmill, DC Sara Di Giorgio, and media officer Jack Abell, as well as others, were commended for their parts in the investigation into the murder of Olly Stephens in Reading in January last year.
The high-profile nature of the case, including complex and sensitive investigations involving minors, resulted in the conviction of two teenage boys for murder and a teenage girl for manslaughter.
The officers and staff were commended for “exceptional performance in supporting the dorce’s values and policing principles of leadership.”
Det Supt Howard: “Olly’s death was a truly tragic event that shocked both the public and police alike.
“I wish that the circumstances that led to the award of the commendation hadn’t happened but appreciate that it is recognition of an incredible team effort to secure justice for Olly and for the support provided to Olly’s family through the investigation and trial.”
Det Supt Howard, Detective Inspector Pete Clarke, Detective Sergeant Chris Cooper, intelligence analyst Portia Whiffin, and others, were also commended for their roles in connection with Operation Kingmaker, a shooting in Slough in March 2020.
