Jaswant Narwal: A Story of Law and Order

Sunetra Senior Monday 28th September 2015 08:43 EDT
 
 

Jaswant is the Chief Crown Prosecutor for Kent, Surrey and Sussex; one of 13 departmental posts placed strategically across the UK.  Also one of the two female Asians to be assigned this high-profile, legal role, she has come up against, and conquered, more than a few odds. As we went on to discuss her humble beginnings – born in Bradford, Jaswant is the daughter to second generation immigrants, and the first of the family to graduate from university - and talk about her witness to the wide spectrum of different cases, from cyber fraud to organised crime and teenage murders, we felt a certain magnetism underlying the factual grit: “when it came to succeeding professionally” she went on to tell us, “it was important for me not to be intimidated and to always believe in myself.” Strong yet very warm, it became clear that Jaswant’s ability to be fair to herself is what has supported a justice-based career.

What first drew you to the world of Law; were you always interested?

I have always been fascinated, but was interested in being a police officer first! I’ve always believed in doing the right thing. Growing up, I would watch all the court-room television dramas and I would be the one to challenge the teacher when no one was speaking up. I got involved in debates and loved expressing alternative points of view. Carrying on that interest in policing, I chose to study politics at university. Later on I received a scholarship with the civil service commission going on to pass my bar.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

That I can affect changes from within the establishment: both through individual cases and as a representative of the BME community. The job advocates the consideration of all views equally. The CPS doesn’t just persecute people: we are there to ensure fairness.  There must be sufficient grounds for prosecution. Even if there are 10 charges, we go through each and apply the code for every one of them. There is a human aspect to it too: you bring what you know of the world as well as your scholarly training.  

What has been one of the most memorable cases?

When we convicted a woman of murder, one of the oldest to be prosecuted for that crime, together with her son, in what turned out to be an honour killing. It was arranged out in India where the family believed the daughter-in-law was shaming them.  It really touched a raw nerve as the lady was a Sikh like myself, and by all counts looked a respectable and religious person. She couldn’t live with the fact that her daughter-in-law wanted to leave the house.

Tell us a bit about your journey to the top?

I started off in central London as a young barrister. I dealt with many types of cases, from road traffic to more serious offences: I was dealing with shop-lifters in Oxford Street, drug-dealers in Notting Hill and prostitutes in Marylebone. During that time I was talent spotted and moved up the ladder as a sort of lawyer manager. That opened the door to yet more experiences. I was in charge of looking at and reviewing cases, involving the investigation of convictions which could have been unsafe because of corrupt police officers. I was then promoted to the Old Bailey trials unit which meant I was dealing with all the murders across London. It was three years of scary but very fascinating cases. My first CCP posting came with an opportunity in rural Lincolnshire. It was a predominantly white area and I really had to prove myself. After that I was promoted to CCP of the South-East district and also got to work with the national fraud division.

And what was your observation of fraud patterns?

Fraudsters prey on the vulnerable, and that crosses over into cybercrime as people become more astute with digital technology. These people can sound like consummate professionals, getting thousands of people to hand over their money. I believe people are inherently good natured and this minority of tricksters take advantage: it is confidence trickery.

Some people feel there can be bureaucratic impediments obstructing the course of justice. What has been your experience?

Yes there can be times of frustration, but what some people call ‘bureaucracy’, I call administration. The CPS is a relatively new organisation and also very progressive. We sought to ensure the separation of investigation with prosecution because it is not right for police officials to do both. It is important to be accountable to the public and make sure that we are adhering to the policies and the law so that we ensure a fair trial.

Finally, do you think women sometimes find it difficult to claim a position of authority, whether it is because of social prejudice or a personal fight for confidence?

As a bastion of the legal system, the CPS recognises talent and does not discriminate. Of course I have seen instances in other areas where sexism and racism have caused colleagues to feel discouraged. I do think you have to be strong. As a career woman and mother of two, I have had to stay resilient. Especially in my line of work, you can’t be a wall-flower. But hard work pays off and you do what you can. Surround yourself with good friends; take time to off when you need to.

 

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