Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
TRIBUTES TO TOP COP WHO LED SHOOT-TO-KILL PROBE
Ex officer Stalker, 79, behind investigation into RUC action
THE police officer who led the investigation into an alleged State shoot to kill policy during the Troubles has passed away.
John Stalker, the former Deputy Chief Constable of Greater Manchester, died aged 79, his family announced.
In a career that spanned more than three decades, he will be best known for heading the Stalker Inquiry.
Launched in 1983, his team investigated the RUC’S alleged shoot to kill policy of suspected Provisional IRA members.
But in one of the most notorious episodes of the conflict, Mr Stalker was removed from the inquiry in
1986 following the emergence of false allegations about him.
He also worked on the investigation into the Moors murders. Mr Stalker had been in poor health following the death of his wife 14 months ago.
Colette Cartwright, his eldest daughter, led tributes to him. She said: “He is fondly remembered by many as going above and beyond the call of duty and was committed to making a difference for those most in need.
“Respected by many of his colleagues, he had a varied career and held posts in
DAUGHTER YESTERDAY
the Serious Crime Squad and the Bomb Squad.
“He also became the first head of the drugs squad. In 1978 – aged 38 – he was appointed head of Warwickshire CID, the youngest detective chief superintendent in the country – later becoming Deputy Chief Constable of the Greater Manchester Police in 1984.”
During his time as a police officer Mr Stalker travelled around the world studying terrorism and crime in Europe, the US and South America.
After his retirement in 1987 he carved out a new career as a journalist and pursued his passion for writing, publishing an autobiography in 1988.
Mrs Cartwright added: “I’d like to thank all those at Greater Manchester Police who are helping us through this difficult time.
“I think their support is reflective of the spirit of my dad and his commitment to policing.
“My dad will be sorely missed by all lives he has touched both professionally and personally.
“We will always be proud of him and everything he achieved.
“We love him and will miss him so much.”