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Incident
Inspector Lakin left Bodlewell Lane Police Station about 9.30am after the change of watch and stood at the steps of the ferryboat landing as was his habit. After he failed to return officers made a search and, about 2:00pm, his body was found floating in the river a few yards from the steps. It was believed he had slipped and drowned.
The Coroner ruled out suicide after hearing evidence that one of the Constables who found his body noted a cut and abrasion above his left eye suggesting he slipped, suffered the injury and entered the water.
He was survived by his adult children.
Survivors
He was survived by his adult children.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Inspector Lakin served with the River Wear Police.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Inspector Lakin.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
River Wear Police has lost 8 officers; 7 of them lost to accidents.
James is one of 1,335 officers lost to accidents in ENG, 47.9% of the 2,786 remembered there.
James is one of 1,673 officers lost to accidents in United Kingdom, 44.1% of the 3,791 remembered there.
James is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1913, 1 officer at River Wear Police was lost to accidents, more than in any other year.
In 1913, 8 officers in ENG were lost to accidents, the 56th heaviest of 193 years on record. The heaviest was 1940, with 35.
In 1913, 9 officers in United Kingdom were lost to accidents, the 73rd heaviest of 194 years on record. The heaviest was 1940, with 40.
In 1913, 44 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 112th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 76. Of the 6 lost to accidents at River Wear Police whose age is recorded, half were between 47 and 58; the middle age was 48.
James was 76. Of the 1,310 lost to accidents in ENG whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 43; the middle age was 35.
James was 76. Of the 1,612 lost to accidents in United Kingdom whose age is recorded, half were between 27 and 43; the middle age was 35.
James was 76. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36.
When
February holds 14.3% of these deaths at River Wear Police; November holds the most, 28.6%. Sundays: 14.3%.
February holds 7.9% of these deaths in ENG; January holds the most, 10.7%. Sundays: 13.6%.
February holds 7.3% of these deaths in United Kingdom; November holds the most, 9.9%. Sundays: 13.7%.
February holds 7.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 87.5% of all 8 deaths at River Wear Police, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 47.9% of all 2,786 deaths in ENG, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 44.1% of all 3,791 deaths in United Kingdom, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
River Wear Police has 8 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from River Wear Police are honored on badge.nw.