Nazir Afzal OBE appointed new chief executive
Mr Nazir Afzal OBE, a former chief crown prosecutor who led some of the most high profiles cases in recent years, has been appointed Chief Executive of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners.
The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) plays a leading role in policing by bringing all Police and Crime Commissioners together to influence national policy making. The APCC has successfully worked with PCCs and other partners to introduce changes in supporting victims of crime and the most vulnerable people in society, and create an efficient and effective police service through better financial management.
Nazir Afzal became Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England in 2011 leading teams responsible for some of the highest profile cases in the country, including the child grooming case in Rochdale and the prosecution of Stuart Hall.
He made history as the first Muslim to be appointed to such a position and was Britain’s most senior lawyer within the Crown Prosecution Service.
As one of the 13 chief crown prosecutors in England and Wales, he was responsible for more than 100,000 prosecutions a year and managed 800 lawyers and paralegals.
Mr Afzal joined the Crown Prosecution Service in 1991. During his time at the CPS he was the operational and policy lead for child abuse, hate crime including disability, violence against women and honour-based violence.
Awarded an OBE in 2004 for his services to law and the local community, Mr Afzal is currently Pro Chancellor Brunel University, and works as an independent advisor on criminal justice.
Winston Roddick, Chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners said:
“Nazir brings 25 years’ experience of working in criminal justice. His outstanding knowledge of this sector and his determination for protecting the most vulnerable in our society make him the ideal chief executive of the APCC and support the work of elected Police and Crime Commissioners. I wish him great success.”
Nazir Afzal OBE, said:
“With the forthcoming elections for PCCs I am delighted to be able to play my part in keeping the public safer and building community cohesion. I am determined to protect the most vulnerable through the sharing of best practice and supporting those elected to deliver safer communities. I am very much looking forward to the challenges ahead.”