#MeetTheRep - Kapil Sangwan

3 June 2025

How did you end up in policing, Kapil?

I came to the country in 2010 to do my master’s degree. After that, I worked in retail before in 2021 I decided to join the force. After 10 years in the country I just didn’t want to work for money anymore, I wanted to do work where I could make a difference. Initially I was so sceptical because there are many stories in the media about policing being discriminatory, but I thought there’s no harm in trying – so I applied. I was then surprised that it was the opposite to what I thought, that I was received fine and supported like any other job. So it was a shock, but a positive shock.

Where has the job taken you since joining?

I started in Guildford but because I spoke a few languages, I was asked to move to Woking because there’s a high representation of east Asian, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indian populations there. I was asked if I could move there due to a lot of incidents where they switched the language and officers had no clue. I could help with repeat incidents to do with particular families and with translations too, with the victims also. Staff shortages in Staines meant I was moved there and I’ve been there ever since, working a few different departments.

Tell us more about what you’ve done…

Most of my policing has been done in the safer neighbourhood team, which is a very satisfactory department because you can actually make a difference. It’s not like sticking a plaster on the roof, it’s more long-term solutions. It really makes a difference in the community, that’s why I enjoyed that side of the policing.

So why did you want to become a Fed Rep?

Well in my three and a half years, it’s not all been roses. There have been unhappy times, ups and downs. I’ve seen and heard colleagues, myself as well, go through some processes where a lack of understanding comes across. The question arising from there is why? Why don’t we have many officers getting involved as a Fed Rep. Also for me, I didn’t see much representation of BAME in the Federation or the force. To be part of the Fed gives me a chance to ask the questions correctly. There’s no point saying ‘things are bad’, but not taking any initiative to get involved.

What should members do if they have any concerns?

The first thing I would say is do not panic. We have the Fed to give officers peace of mind that we are here for you. We have legal advice as a Fed, we have experience. It can be in conduct, it can be in equality, it can be on health and safety, it can be on so many aspects. Just pick up the phone and say ‘this is the situation, what’s your advice?’, and if they advise you ‘be quiet’, just listen to it. We have done the hard part in giving up the money we work hard for, now do the small part - call the Fed and get advice.

And finally, what’s a quirky fact about yourself?

I can speak five languages! Most of them are Indian, as I come from north India. My father was in the army and we used to travel a lot, so I can speak and write a few. When I watch movies, even on Netflix, I never change the language.