John Inch facts for kids

Sir John Ritchie Inch (1911–1993) was a very important police officer in Scotland. He was the top police officer, called a Chief Constable, for three different police forces during his career. He was known for helping to combine different police forces into bigger, stronger ones.

Early Life and Education

John Ritchie Inch was born on May 14, 1911, in a place called Lesmahagow, in Scotland. When he was eleven years old, he was chosen to go to Hamilton Academy, a special school. After that, he went to the University of Glasgow. He studied law there and earned a degree.

Starting His Police Career

In 1931, when he was 20, John Inch joined the Lanarkshire Constabulary, which was a police force in Scotland. His first job was at the Bellshill police station. He worked hard and was promoted to sergeant in 1936.

He kept studying and earned another law degree. By 1938, at just 27 years old, he became an inspector. This meant he was in charge of training new police officers.

Helping During World War II

When World War II started, John Inch became very involved in civil defense. He learned how to be an Air Raid Precautions (ARP) instructor. He then helped organize how people in Lanarkshire would protect themselves during air raids.

Becoming a Chief Constable

John Inch quickly moved up in his career. In 1943, at the age of 32, he became the Chief Constable of the Dunfermline Burgh Police. This was a big responsibility for someone so young!

Leading New Police Forces

In 1949, the Dunfermline police force joined with two other forces to create a new, larger police force called the Fife Constabulary. Because of his success, John Inch was chosen to be the Chief Constable of this new, combined force.

His ability to bring different police groups together was noticed. In 1955, when he was 44, he was appointed Chief Constable of the Edinburgh City Police. This was a very important role in Scotland's capital city.

Involvement in Sports and Community

While he was Chief Constable in Edinburgh, John Inch was part of the team that organized the Commonwealth Games in the city in 1970. These are big sports competitions, like a mini-Olympics.

He loved sports himself. From 1971 to 1975, he was the chairman of the Police Athletic Association. This group helps police officers get involved in sports.

Later Career and Retirement

In 1975, the Edinburgh City Police joined with several other police forces to form an even bigger force called Lothian and Borders Police. John Inch continued to serve as the Chief Constable of this new force. He retired in 1976.

Honors and Recognition

Sir John Inch received several special awards for his service. He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1958. In 1969, he became a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO). In 1972, he was given the title of Knight Bachelor, which meant he was called "Sir John Inch."

He passed away in Edinburgh on November 22, 1993.