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Ian Edward Walter 14 May 1938 – 5th May 2006
Obituary
Ian Edward Walter 14 May 1938 - 5th May 2006 Those who were privileged to have known and worked alongside Ian will appreciate the total respect in which he was held. This esteem was not entirely due to a list of achievements and high profile cases, but, for the way he embodied the skills and qualities of a forensic scene examiner. A quiet and courteous nature in no way belied a resolute enthusiasm to solve problems and discover truth. He pioneered the Metropolitan Police Civilian Scenes of Crime Department and was a long time member of the Society. There would be few if any amongst our profession who would deny his admirable reputation. Ian joined Sussex Police six months after marrying Margaret in 1961. he was particularly successful in the scientific investigation of scenes of crime; a lifetime interest in Archaeology had honed his eye for detail and methodical working practices. Later in this career Ian's fire scene examination would become legendary. In 1969 he joined the Metropolitan Police Scenes of Crime Branch and brought to the developing service practical skills and policing experience. A leader by example, his great patience and
science&justice Volume 46 No.2 (2006) 127
understanding made him an excellent teacher and mentor. Ian managed many of the SOCO teams in all South London Police districts, achieving the difficult balance of the reactive response to police and public demands with the proactive elements of crime investigation. All was accomplished with a minimum of fuss. Many scientists, police officers and SOCO's will recall Ian's last tour of duty, serving the laboratory at Lambeth where his calming influence in customer services was highly valued by all with whom he came into contact. In the two years following a diagnosis of cancer, never once did one hear Ian complaining about his situation. Devotedly supported by his wife and family, he was extremely brave in the face of a devastating illness. His principles, influence and nature will long be remembered and live on in Margaret, his children Ann, Katie and Jon and in their seven sons.
RT Wykes
Page 127
Ian Edward Walter 14 May 1938 - 5th May 2006 Those who were privileged to have known and worked alongside Ian will appreciate the total respect in which he was held. This esteem was not entirely due to a list of achievements and high profile cases, but, for the way he embodied the skills and qualities of a forensic scene examiner. A quiet and courteous nature in no way belied a resolute enthusiasm to solve problems and discover truth. He pioneered the Metropolitan Police Civilian Scenes of Crime Department and was a long time member of the Society. There would be few if any amongst our profession who would deny his admirable reputation. Ian joined Sussex Police six months after marrying Margaret in 1961. he was particularly successful in the scientific investigation of scenes of crime; a lifetime interest in Archaeology had honed his eye for detail and methodical working practices. Later in this career Ian's fire scene examination would become legendary. In 1969 he joined the Metropolitan Police Scenes of Crime Branch and brought to the developing service practical skills and policing experience. A leader by example, his great patience and
science&justice Volume 46 No.2 (2006) 127
understanding made him an excellent teacher and mentor. Ian managed many of the SOCO teams in all South London Police districts, achieving the difficult balance of the reactive response to police and public demands with the proactive elements of crime investigation. All was accomplished with a minimum of fuss. Many scientists, police officers and SOCO's will recall Ian's last tour of duty, serving the laboratory at Lambeth where his calming influence in customer services was highly valued by all with whom he came into contact. In the two years following a diagnosis of cancer, never once did one hear Ian complaining about his situation. Devotedly supported by his wife and family, he was extremely brave in the face of a devastating illness. His principles, influence and nature will long be remembered and live on in Margaret, his children Ann, Katie and Jon and in their seven sons.
RT Wykes
Page 127