Formerly of the Metropolitan Police for 23 years and Greater Manchester Police for a further eight, latterly Head of the Serious Crime Squad and retiring as Deputy Police Adviser to HM Prison Service.
Alistair McNicol died on 6th August 2026 following a short illness. He was 80 years old.
Alistair devoted much of his working life to public service. He served with the Metropolitan Police for 23 years before transferring to Greater Manchester Police, where he served for a further eight, ultimately retiring as Deputy Police Adviser to HM Prison Service.
During his distinguished police career he held a wide range of operational, investigative and specialist roles across both forces. In his 23 years with the Metropolitan Police he undertook numerous central and operational postings, including the Regional Crime Squad, and proudly represented the force at both football and boxing, winning the LaFone Cup in 1968 at the Royal Albert Hall. His commitment and contribution to policing were recognised through several formal commendations.
He subsequently transferred to Greater Manchester Police, where his extensive experience led to his appointment as Head of the Serious Crime Squad, a specialist unit responsible for investigating major offences including murder, kidnap, armed robbery and serious sexual offences. His career reflected considerable breadth across frontline policing, major crime investigation, regional and specialist operations, criminal intelligence and senior operational command.
Following his retirement from the police he continued his career in public service as Director of Security for West London Mental Health NHS Trust, which included responsibility for the high-profile Broadmoor high security psychiatric hospital.
There will be no formal funeral service. In keeping with Alistair’s wishes, he will be taken home to Lochgoilhead in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, the village where he grew up.
