The team with the South Australia Police Major Crime Investigation Branch has been recognised with a Premier’s Excellence Award for Operation Persist.
The operation, focused on unsolved homicide cases in South Australia, was launched in 2015 covering 114 cases (representing 127 victims) that, despite being the subject of comprehensive investigations in the past, had for a variety of reasons had remained unsolved.
The cases dated back to 1960 with each subjected to a review to identify potential new lines of inquiry.
In addition to exploring new investigational and forensic opportunities, the operation is built on a foundation of multi-agency collaboration and engagement.
Other key stakeholders include the Department of Correctional Services, Forensic Science SA, Crime Stoppers, the Commissioner for Victims’ Rights, the Sunday Mail and Channel Nine.
Tactics used during the operation have included full case reviews, rewards being offered in connection with those – both for a conviction, but also for the recovery of remains where a body has not been located – a strategic media campaign, the identification of new forensic opportunities, and provision of information to directly to inmates within SA prisons.
Operation Persist has solved ten previously unsolved homicides, arrested 17 offenders and recovered the remains of three victims that had been missing for 45 years, 18 years and seven years.
On Tuesday evening the Premier Stephen Marshall announced Operation Persist as the winners of 2019 Team Award.
Anyone with information about an unsolved homicide case is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au – even a small piece of information can assist in resolving a case.
Rewards are available – to be paid by the Government of South Australia, at the discretion of the Commissioner of Police – for anyone who provides information and assistance that leads to the conviction of the person or people responsible for a murder and/or leading to the location and recovery of a person’s remains.
Photograph: Assistant Commissioner Scott Duval (centre) and Detective Superintendent Des Bray receiving the team Premier’s Excellence Award from Premier Steven Marshall on behalf of South Australia Police’s Operation Persist.
