Lawrence Byford


Sir Lawrence Byford was Chief Inspector of Constabulary from 1983 to 1987. His inquiry into the failings of the Yorkshire Ripper investigation by West Yorkshire Police earned him the description "the man who changed the face of modern policing" because it "led to fundamental changes in the way serial killer investigations would be carried out in future across the world".

Early life

Byford was born the son of a coal miner in Normanton, West Yorkshire. He left school without any qualifications and became an apprentice electrician at a local pit. In 1944, Byford was conscripted and saw service during the latter months of World War II with the Royal Signals in France, Belgium and Germany.

Career

Byford's police career began in 1947 as a constable with the West Riding Constabulary, where he rose to be the Commander of the Huddersfield Division. He also graduated from the University of Leeds with a law degree in 1956. He left in 1968 to join the senior leadership team of Lincolnshire Police, and was Chief Constable from 1973 to 1977. He was a Regional Inspector of Constabulary from 1978 until his appointment to the top job. In retirement he served as President of Yorkshire County Cricket Club from 1991 to 1999.

Awards

He was awarded the Queen's Police Medal in 1973. He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1979, and was knighted in 1984.



RibbonDescriptionNotes
Knight Bachelor
  • 1984
Order of the British Empire
  • 1979
  • Commander
  • Civil Division
    • Queen's Police Medal
  • 1973
    • Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

    Personal life

    In 1950 he married Muriel Campbell Massey: they have three children, one of whom was Deputy Director General of the British Broadcasting Corporation and head of BBC Journalism from 2004 to 2011.

    Later life

    Byford was President of Yorkshire County Cricket Club from 1990 to 1999; and a Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire from 1992.