Neil Basu QPM served 30 years in the Metropolitan Police Service, rising from Police Constable to Assistant Commissioner Specialist Operations (ACSO) and national lead for Counter Terrorism Policing; a c£1bn organisation leading 10,000 personnel working with MI5 to ‘defend the realm.’ His organisation investigated 12 terrorist attacks, foiled 29 plots and arrested over 600 terrorists. In 2021 he was appointed a Non-Executive Director at the College of Policing representing Chief Constables, and directed the 2021 Strategic Command Course, policing’s most senior leadership programme. Neil retired in November 2022, with multiple commendations for bravery, leadership and detective ability. He holds the Queens Policing Medal for distinguished service and now writes, speaks and advises the public, private and political sectors on policing, criminal justice, national security and diversity. He authored ‘Turmoil - 30 years of policing, politics and prejudice,’ in 2025 and is the co-host of ‘The Crime Agents’ podcast.