Alford and two others volunteered as special constables to bring in three escaped convicts from Tasmania, led by the outlaw Morgan, whom they apprehended near the whaling stations at Encounter Bay.
He was assigned to the Mounted branch, who were uniformed, armed and drilled in military fashion, as distinct from the Foot, or Metropolitan, service, who were more like the London "Bobbies".
In October 1838 the newly arrived Governor Gawler promoted Inman to Superintendent of Police, and in November James Stuart and William Baker Ashton were sworn in as sub-inspectors.
Both Chief Inspector Alexander Tolmer, in his Reminiscences and J. W. Bull, in his Early Experiences refers frequently to his dedication and enterprise in tracking down felons, many of whom were escaped convicts from New South Wales or Tasmania.
His other son, Edwin, took on the job of poundkeeper at Hectorville in 1868, assisting with the management of the Glynde hotel nearby, giving his father leisure time to devote to his garden and a relaxed social life.