Neville Blackwood – On the frontlines of global law enforcement

Joining the Dots with Thomas Drohan

In this episode, Thomas sits down with Neville Blackwood, a seasoned international law enforcement consultant and former senior police officer, to delve into the complexities of global policing.

Neville recounts his journey from joining Thames Valley Police in 1982 to leading undercover operations against organised crime in Europe, which fueled his passion for international law enforcement.

The conversation highlights the formidable challenges of working in developing nations, where issues like corruption and political instability often impede progress. Neville shares valuable insights from his experiences in conflict zones like Somalia and Iraq, emphasising the need for culturally tailored approaches. This episode also spotlights Neville’s work in the Maldives, where he was tasked with investigating politically motivated murders and disappearances.

The episode explores the critical role of technology in combating transnational crime and Neville’s vision for the future of global law enforcement by 2030. This episode offers a rare, insider perspective on the intricacies of maintaining international security in a rapidly changing world.

Chapters

1. Introduction to Neville Blackwood and his career (00:00:00)

2. The Maldives investigation and lessons learned (00:00:00)

3. Neville's career path and pivotal moments (00:05:00)

4. Challenges and opportunities in international law enforcement (00:15:00)

5. UK government's efforts in developing international capabilities (00:25:00)

6. Cultural and political challenges in international law enforcement (00:35:00)

7. Witness protection and prosecution challenges (00:45:00)

8. The Maldives investigation and lessons learned (00:55:00)