UK Lifetime Award for Inspector Kinkead?

Last week, we revealed that Inspector John Kinkead (pictured above) had scooped a PSNI Lifetime Achievement Award.

Now, the former Portrush Inspector, has been nominated for a similar UK award.

And Inspector Kinkead is the only Northern Ireland nominee in the ‘Lifetime Achievement’ category.

With over 28 years service behind him, Inspector Kinkead was typically modest about his award.

“I was very shocked to get the PSNI Lifetime Achievement Award, it really is very humbling, but I have to thank my officers and the community, for without them, I wouldn’t have achieved this,” he said. “I am also delighted to be nominated for the UK award.”

When Inspector Kinkead was posted to Portrush in March 1998, he orchestrated a huge turnaround in the seaside resort.

He was behind the Door Supervisors Scheme, and a community policing initiative in Dhu Varren, which has now been rolled out across the borough.

“I was the first ever Inspector to be based in Portrush,” said Inspector Kinkead. “I wanted policing in Portrush to be more community based.

“There were many issues in Portrush at that time, and it was losing its family friendly image. Policing needed a more joined up approach with Council, the licensed trade and business owners.

“At that time I met with George Montgomery from Council’s Environmental Health Department and members of the licensed trade and after many meetings and consultations with councillors and community groups, we set up the Registered Door Supervisors Scheme.

“This scheme has been a huge success.

“Door supervisors working in the borough now have to go through a selection process. This involves strict guidelines in line with the Home Office.

Inspector Kinkaid’s brainchild was soon noticed by other Council areas, and Belfast, Larne, Maghera, Dungannon and Newry have since adopted the idea.

“Since its inception assaults have decreased and drug seizures have increased, and people can now socialise in a safer environment, “ said the Inspector.

“One of the primary aims of the police is to improve quality of life, and I believe that with the help of the community and the agencies we have achieved this through the scheme.”

Looking back on his days in Portrush, Inspector Kinkaid added: “I can’t speak highly enough of the people of Portrush. In my five years there, it was a pleasure, I was always very busy, but it was very pleasing to serve the community there.”

Since leaving Portrush, the Inspector has worked in the PSNI’s Planning team and more recently he has taken up a role with the Crime Team.