He served as Inspector-General, Bombay Police and later became Chief Constable, New Scotland Yard.
He was the older brother of Sir Ralph Griffith, who served as governor of the North West Frontier Province.
He was educated at Blundell's School in Tiverton before joining the Indian Police Service at age 20.
He returned to England and was appointed as Chief Constable, New Scotland Yard.
He was survived by his wife, Ivy Morna (née Jacob; whom he married in 1906 in Bristol), a son and daughter.