Charles Hannigan

Charles Hannigan ISO (born 1 December 1877) was an Irish native who was a senior colonial police officer who served as Commissioner of Police of the Federated Malay States Police in the 1920s.

Early life and education Charles Hannigan was born on 1 December 1877 at Rathdowney, Queen's County, and was educated at Ranelagh School, Athlone.

Career Hannigan began his career in 1896 serving in the Royal Irish Constabulary.

In 1902, he went to Malaya and joined the police force of the Federated Malay States beginning as 2nd Class Inspector, and was promoted to 1st Class three years later. In 1906, he was appointed Acting Assistant Commissioner attached to the detective branch and was sent from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Kubu where he was involved in the arrest of the notorious robber Wee Chan. and was involved in the anti-Japanese riots when martial law was declared and troops were employed to restore order. On two occasions he acted as Inspector General of the Straits Settlements Police. During his tenure he was credited with reforming and improving the police force, and introducing modern methods such as the creation of a Criminal Registry.

In 1931, he retired to England, When the Second World War broke out he moved to Ireland but returned to live in Buckinghamshire in 1946.

Honours and legacy In 1927, Hannigan was awarded the King's Police Medal. In 1933, he received the Companion of the Imperial Service Order (ISO).

Hannigan Road in Kuala Lumpur was named after him.