From the Archives: The rise Magistrates and rise of city’s youngest top cop

Aug 26 2010 By Rebekah Oruye

THE YOUNGEST police Chief Constable to ever be appointed served with the Birmingham force just after the Second World War.

Sir Edward James Dodd was born in Reading, Berkshire, and his early education and training led to a glittering career with the police that saw him heading up the city’s post-war squad aged just 34.

The West Midlands Police Museum has records of Dodd’s vast achievements and some of the medals awarded to him for his time contribution to policing the streets of Birmingham.

Before his service with the police, Dodd served with the Royal and Merchant navy. It was in 1932 that he signed up to work with the Metropolitan Police as a constable.

Museum curator Mr David Cross said Dodd’s rise to the top started with training at Hendon police school.

“Dodd rose through the ranks and forged a successful path in his career. By 1934, he had been promoted to junior station inspector. And in 1938, after completing a course in Paris, he was promoted to station inspector.”

Dodd was one of 29 applicants who applied for the post of second assistant chief constable in Birmingham, following retirement of Cecil Moriarty and the promotion of William Johnson to Chief Constable.

Among the prestigious list of applicants were two Detectives Superintendents, but it was Dodd who was selected to fill the post in 1941 on a salary of £750.