How does the national charity Crimestoppers work?

CEO Mark Hallas OBE takes us through all the key elements of the service.

Comprehensive Show Notes to follow.

A conversation with Michelle Bauge about her growing up years in Glasgow and how empowering young people makes our communities safer.

Comprehensive Show Notes to follow.

Nazir Afzal  

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: 

Connect with Nazir Afzal: 

Connect with The Community Safety Podcast: 

The drug war in the UK and worldwide has been going on for a long time. It's not new to see news coverage on buy busts and undercover operations. It makes us more aware of the drug problem, but also lulls us into a false sense of security that things are improving. In reality, these drug busts pose more threats to our community safety.

In this episode, Neil Woods gives a sneak peek into the life of an undercover cop. He shares talks about the futility of the drug war and how it empowers organised crime. So many vulnerable individuals get caught in the crossfire between criminal organisations and the police. Fortunately, Neil shares that there is some change happening. He also details the concrete steps we must take to win this fight against drugs. 

Tune in to this episode to find out the truth about the drug war and what you can do to help end it! 

Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:

Discover the ugly truth behind drug policy and why it needs to change.

Learn about Neil’s experiences and realisations from working as an undercover cop.

Find out what you can do to aid the social movement against the drug war. 

Resources

Episode Highlights

About the Young Neil Woods

His Early Years in the Police

How Neil Started Working Undercover

Deputy Chief Constable Andy Prophet is the National Police Lead on Anti-Social Behaviour.

Take a listen to this really honest interview.

Comprehensive Show Notes to Follow.

Caroline Goode served for 33 years in the Metropolitan Police in London. She retired as a Detective Superintendent in the Counter-Terrorism Command after spending ten years leading more than 100 complex murder investigations.

One of those investigations, the so-called honour killing of a young Iraqi Kurdish woman by her family, was to become a life changer for Caroline. This investigation, which began as a simple missing person’s report, was particularly challenging and complex.

After the Banaz case, she trained thousands of police officers nationally and internationally in Honour Based Violence Awareness and was awarded the Queens Policing Medal for her work in 2012.

Caroline joins me today to detail the damage that honour-based violence still does to women in the UK and explains her role in the shocking murder of 20-year-old Banaz Mahmod, which was subsequently dramatised in the TV series Honour starring Keeley Hawes.

She shares her experience of joining the Metropolitan Police as an 18-year-old woman and some of the challenges she faced at the start of her career.

Caroline also discusses why she looked to progress her career in the Metropolitan Police in complex investigative work and why she has always preferred to work in teams that support victims.

"We need to keep raising awareness of honour-based violence about it in whichever format we can - there needs to be a wholly consistent approach, or we’re going to end up in a situation where these murders continue to happen ." - Caroline Goode

Today on The Community Safety Podcast:

How Caroline's interest in becoming a detective began with a traumatic experience Why she fought to get maternity regulations changed in the Metropolitan Police Caroline's first role as a Senior Investigating Officer and the investigation that changed her life The story of Caroline’s involvement in the horrific Banaz Mahmod case and the eureka moment that eventually helped her team to bring her murderers to justice The difficulty of extraditing two of Banaz’s killers from Iraqui Kurdistan and how Caroline made legal history during the process

Comprehensive Show Notes to follow.

Doctor Paul Stewart is a notable figure with an extraordinary life journey that spans beyond his illustrious career as a footballer in the Premier League, having played for renowned clubs such as Manchester City, Spurs, and Liverpool. In 2016, he bravely stepped into the limelight to unveil a deeply personal and painful chapter from his childhood.

Paul disclosed that he had endured sexual abuse by his football coach from the tender age of 10 to 14. His courageous decision to share this profound and difficult truth not only demonstrates immense resilience but also sparked crucial conversations about safeguarding young athletes and addressing the pervasive issue of abuse within the realm of sports. Paul, we extend our heartfelt thanks to you.

"In the world of sports, courage extends beyond the playing field. Dr. Paul Stewart's journey, from the heights of a Premier League footballer to the depths of disclosing his painful past, exemplifies resilience. His decision to share a deeply personal experience not only shook the foundations of football but ignited crucial conversations on safeguarding. The ripple effect is clear—more attention, better policies. Yet, as we progress, let's not forget, that parents play a pivotal role. Education is the key, asking simple questions ensures the safety of our children. Let's redefine the norm and make safeguarding a shared responsibility. Together, we can protect the future of our young athletes."

These key points shed light on the emotional and societal aspects surrounding child safeguarding, particularly in the context of sports.

Chris Williams is a seasoned professional in community safety, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to his roles. With a background as a senior advisor for the Home Office and former head of public protection for a London borough, Chris has demonstrated a solid commitment to enhancing public safety. 

Recently, he has taken on a new position as the strategic lead for community safety with the Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner, where he is expected to leverage his extensive knowledge to contribute to developing and implementing effective community safety strategies. 

Chris's diverse background and leadership roles underscore his dedication to creating safer environments and addressing the complexities of public protection.

"I've always had this earliest background and that drives everything that I do is about being evidence LED an intelligence LED. A lot of time and resource is wasted by well-intentioned people doing things 'cause they think it's probably a good idea or they like the sound of it.” - Chris Williams

 Today on The Community Safety Podcast:

Fatima Whitbread, an MBE and world record holder, is renowned for her accomplishments in athletics and tireless efforts to reform the care system in the UK. Fatima's remarkable journey began when she was abandoned as a baby and left to die in a flat. A vigilant neighbour heard her cries and alerted the police, leading to her rescue. Placed under the care of Hackney Borough Council, Fatima spent the first six months of her life in a hospital, battling malnutrition and nappy rash.

Subsequently, she became a ward of court and spent the next 14 years in the care system, with the initial five years in a Hertfordshire children's home alongside 25 other children. This challenging upbringing fueled Fatima's determination to make a difference in the lives of children in similar circumstances. Today, she serves as the bass for the charity Action for Children, leveraging her experiences to advocate for care system reform.

In addition to her role with Action for Children, Fatima has embarked on personal campaigns to raise awareness and bring about positive change within the care system. Her journey from abandonment to becoming a world record holder and an influential advocate exemplifies resilience and the potential for positive transformation, inspiring others to join her in making a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable children.

"In giving, you receive. Auntie Ray taught me this invaluable lesson. She was my bright shining star, the person who understood the plight of children in the care system. She gave me love, security, and a sense of belonging. Through her, I learned to call out injustice, not just for myself, but for all those kids who needed a safe and happy childhood. Today, my mission is to be a voice for these children, to bring together partnerships and build the power of sport, providing them with opportunities, focus, and the chance to learn essential life skills. Mentors are crucial in those formative years, helping children navigate a challenging path and avoid falling foul of the law. I share my experiences to emphasize the importance of awareness and support for these vulnerable kids, giving them the love they crave and the chance to be heard."

Today on The Community Safety Podcast: