Nazir Afzal OBE was Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England, and most recently, he was Chief Executive of the country’s Police & Crime Commissioners. During a 24 year career, he has prosecuted some of the most high-profile cases in the country, including the so-called Rochdale grooming gang, and led nationally on several legal topics, notably violence against women and girls, child sexual abuse, and honor-based violence. Nazir was recently appointed to the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) and is National Adviser on Gender-Based Violence to the Welsh Government.
Nazir joins me today to discuss his experience of growing up in inner-city Birmingham and why it could be a frightening place for his family and community. He shares what he found so fulfilling about working in the Crown Prosecution Service and how a move to London allowed him to build his skill set, develop and grow. Nazir also describes his involvement in the Rochdale case, the bravery of the young women giving evidence, and why it subsequently triggered a change in guidelines for cross-examinations in sensitive cases.
"The real answers come from within the community." - Nazir Afzal
Today on The Community Safety Podcast:
Nazir's experience of racism and hate crime as a teenager and a professional
The lightbulb moment that drew Nazir towards becoming a lawyer.
The opportunity that allowed him to pursue a more even work-life balance
Why Nazir had to have a panic alarm installed in his house at one point and how that affected his life and his career
The case that stands out in Nazir's mind and how it was brought to a successful conclusion by a diverse team of professionals
Nazir's thoughts on how to break the cycle of imprisonment and criminal behaviour
Some of the positives that have come out of the COVID-19 pandemic
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