Percy Sillitoe

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Sir Percy Joseph Sillitoe KBE (1888–1962) was Director general of MI5, the United Kingdom's internal security service, from 1946 to 1953.

He is credited with breaking the power of the notorious Glasgow razor gangs during the 1930's, made infamous in the novel No Mean City. He was Chief Constable of the city's police force from 1931-43 and went on to head MI5.

During his time as Chief Constable of City of Glasgow Police, he was credited with the introduction of wireless radios allowing communication between headquarters and vehicles, which previously relied completely upon the use of Police boxes, use of civilians in police related roles, and the introduction of compulsory retirement after 30 years service.

He is further credited with the introduction of the Sillitoe Tartan which is more commonly recognized as the black and white diced pattern on police cap bands, originally based on that used by several Scottish regiments on the Glengarry.

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Government offices
Preceded by
Sir David Petrie
Director general of MI5
1946 - 1953
Succeeded by
Sir Dick White
Crime bio stubThis United Kingdom biographical article related to crime is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.
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