Derrick Capper

Sir William Derrick Capper (3 January 1912 – 21 March 1977) was an English police officer and the first Chief Constable of West Midlands Police.

Early life and education

Derrick Capper (as he preferred to continue being known after knighthood) was born in Shropshire on 3 January 1912, son of John Herman Capper, a farmer, of Downton Farm, Upton Magna near Shrewsbury. He was educated at the Priory Grammar School for Boys, Shrewsbury in Shrewsbury and the University of Birmingham, where he read mathematics.

Career

Capper became disillusioned with university life and, during time of the 1930s depression, decided on a police career. in London's East End.

Capper was involved in the Battle of Saltley Gate in 1972, a confrontation between police and picketing miners in the Saltley area of Birmingham during the UK miners' strike.

Capper continued his role as Chief Constable upon the creation of the West Midlands Police on 1 April 1974 after the introduction of the Local Government Act 1972.

During his service, Capper was also made the president of the Association of Chief Police Officers. He remained at West Midlands Police until his retirement on 30 June 1975. He was succeeded by Philip Knights.

Death After two operations, Capper died at Shrewsbury Nuffield Nursing Home on 21 March 1977,

Honours and awards Capper was made a Knight Bachelor in the 1968 Birthday Honours. He was also made an Officer of the Order of St John in 1965 and later promoted to Commander in 1974. He was awarded the Queen's Police Medal in 1962.

Personal life

Capper married in 1939 Muriel, daughter of Alfred Woodhouse of Shrewsbury. The couple had two daughters. and keen player of golf, rugby football and athletics sports. In 1976 he became the first deputy-chairman of the West Midlands Council for Sport and Recreation and at the time of his death he was president of the Shrewsbury Rugby Football Club.

Following his retirement from the police service he lived in Shrewsbury at Radbrook.