North Wales’ top detective is swapping his uniform for a Gi – to pursue what has always been his hobby.
After 30 years with North Wales Police, Detective Chief Superintendent Chris Corcoran is retiring.
Chris, who originates from Wrexham, joined the police in September 1980, having previously worked as a plumber both on building sites and projects in various countries around the world including New Zealand and Europe,
“I wanted a career with prospects and a steady income, and the more I learnt about the law the more interested I became,” he admits.
He was first posted to Rhyl, where he recalls one of his tasks was to search for the head of a woman who had been murdered by her son. To his horror he found it wrapped in a bin liner stuffed down a fox hole.
Since that day he has gone on to assist in the investigations of or manage some of North Wales’ highest profile cases, including the Philipino murder in Kinnerton; the woman who was found murdered in Snowdonia; the Abergele cyclists fatalities as well as the murders of Mold postman Paul Savage and Caergwrle pensioner Elsie Hughes. He was also involved in the search for Llangollen business woman Trevaline Evans.
“Every time you detect a murder you get a sense of well being as a team – that you are doing your job well,” he said, stressing that North Wales Police has a 98% detection rate.
Chris was appointed the first child protection co-ordinator for North Wales, having been brought in from operational duties as a Detective Inspector to set up a multi agency partnership with social services, health and education.
During his time in the force, Chris who is married to Sandra and has two children, has served all over Wrexham, Flintshire, Denbighshire and Conwy, not only as a PC on the streets, but in child protection; professional standards; dealing with serious and organised crime and as the Divisional Commander for the Operational Services Group the past four years.
He has also been the chair of e-Crime Wales for the last six years – taking Wales from being the worst in UK for dealing with the threat of e-crime, to being the best in Europe.
“I have enjoyed every moment of my career. There have been ups and downs as I have gone through the ranks, but I have been able to manage my own destiny,” he said, admitting that he will miss not getting involved with major incidents and the camaraderie within the force.
Having served under five Chief Constables and had numerous commendations, including one for Lifelong Recognition for supporting police officers and their families, he has decided to set up a new business where he can pass on some of his self defence and martial arts skills, which he has been practising and teaching for over 30 years.
As well as pursuing a new career Chris intends to remain heavily involved with charity work, especially the Handicapped Children’s Pilgrimage Trust, (HCPT).
Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Pritchard said: “Chris has made a significant contribution to the North Wales Police. He has been an effective senior investigating officer, assisted the development of many aspects of criminal investigations and been at the forefront of a number of national developments. We wish him well in the future.”
Chris will be replaced by Temporary Chief Superintendent Richard Brough, who takes over on 2nd July.
ACC Pritchard said: “Richard has considerable experience in investigation, forensic work, operations, partnership and professional standards and will continue to develop the specialist operations work of the force.”
