Jackie is a former DCI with the metropolitan Police. She started her career in Leicestershire she now works within the true crime world. Whilst in the Police she advised some of the most iconic police dramas on the television. Jackie was the inspiration for Lynda La Plantes character DCI Jane Tennison in Prime Suspect.
Jackie joined the police as a cadet and on the 7th July 1970 she was sworn in as a constable. At that time she was part of the Police Women’s Department she worked in Highfields in Leicester City.
Jackie was promoted to Sgt after 3 years’ service she became a Detective Sergeant in quick succession. After 9 years’ service she made the decision to go to the Metropolitan Police and was encouraged by Michael Hurst. In 1980 she went to the CID as a DS. Her initial major crime deployment was on the New Cross Fire. Graham Stockwell was the commander on the investigation, and he insisted that there would be no room for criticism in the way the team conducted the enquiry.
The coroner inappropriately called a quick inquest to appease racial harmony – The inquest resulted in an open verdict.
Jackie was seconded to the abduction and murder of Vishal Mehrotra - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Vishal_Mehrotra she maintains the momentum of this investigation with former Detective Sean Keep and BBC journalist Colin Campbell and is an integral part of the Podcast “ Vishal” which has recently won awards at the True Crime awards.
Jackie was head hunted by Commander Stockwell to go to the Flying Squad at Rotherhithe. Her reception was frosty to say the least. Misogyny was in full flow, and she was subjected to abusive behaviour from one of her colleagues Sgt Phil William.
Jackie was posted to West End Central and was on duty the day that Yvonne Fletcher was murdered and vividly remembers attending the scene. It was during her time at West End Central that she experienced corruption. Having exposed the individuals, she was accused of having a lesbian relationship with her junior colleague. The Inspector involved stood trial at the Old Bailey, he was convicted and went to prison.
Having been promoted to DCI, Jackie was approached by author Lynda Le Plante. Lynda was seeking advice regarding a publication. The outcome was Helen Mirren became the character DCI Jane Tennison in Prime Suspect
Since leaving the job Jackie has trained as a counsellor and assists in the rehabilitation of offenders who are in prison. She also works with ex- offenders and has formed professional friendships with former armed robbers such as Noel Razor Smith.
We discuss the modern police service and the issues faced and the great work carried out – Brick cop gets a mention!
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