Cop on the Tyne

I doubt if there is anyone who served in the police in the Newcastle area in the 1960s and ‘70s who cannot relate some story about Arthur McKenzie. The difficulty lies in the absolute fact that Arthur was, and still is, larger than life.
In 1963, as a young constable of nineteen, whose only claim to fame was to be among the smallest recruits to have joined the Newcastle City Police, PC McKenzie was indeed my hero. It was not just that he was among the biggest, strongest and fittest man I ever met. He was also one of the funniest and enthusiastic people to be with. Duty became fun. He was a prolific thief taker, a skill he honed simply by having an unquenchable curiosity and the gift of lateral thought. He was an excellent, practical police officer and a fine leader of men.
Sadly, the Service lost him whilst he still had plenty to offer. But that is also to our advantage, as one of Arthur’s talents is that of raconteur, often against himself. Having witnessed a small part of his many exploits, I just know that what he writes is the truth, the whole truth and probably nothing like the truth some of his colleagues would care to recall.
Gavin Aarvold, Chief Superintendent, Northumbria Police (Retired)

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