Biker Gangs & Organised Crime
Neil Hallam
- Regions:
- Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire
- Notice Period:
- Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
- Type:
- Author
- Fee:
- Expensed: Minimum of 45p per mile return from DE75
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 3rd March 2026
- Tagged:
- Police | Gangs | Bikers | Motorcycle
Far from the Hollywood biker image, gang structures have developed worldwide in many motorcycle clubs that have crossed the line into organised crime. The situation is aggravated by cultural conflicts among the various gangs; and by attitudes that forbid cooperation with the police.
Neil’s fascination with bikers began in the late 1970s, when as a teenager he stopped at Wraggs motorcycle shop on the way to school. Often while looking longingly at the shiny motorcycles, wild looking bikers on customised choppers would arrive. In keeping with the style at the time, they wore filthy denim jackets with the sleeves torn off. Other than in photographs of the American Hell's Angels, I had never seen a 3-part back patch before. These bikers wore a curved top rocker saying "Outlaws", with a bottom rocker declaring that they came from "Notts". Suddenly Mansfield became a much more interesting place for this teenage boy. We now had our very own motorcycle gang. In 1980 Neil left school and bought his first motorcycle. He remained on the fringes of the outlaw scene, mixing with their more friendly members, but was never quite "outlaw material".
After joining the Police, Neil was certainly not "outlaw material", but he maintained his interest in Biker Gangs, boosted by intelligence circulating through Law Enforcement circles.
Now a long-standing member of the Blue Knights, International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, Neil understands the good and bad of motorcycle culture better than most.
Views: 11 | Enquiries: 0About Neil Hallam
From Policeman to Author Neil has led an interesting life. An accomplished mountaineer and adventure cyclist, he has travelled to some of the world’s most fascinating places, including the Himalayas and the Mongolian Steppe.
His Police career, in both uniform and as a detective, took some unusual turns. A specialism in CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological & Nuclear) terrorism, involved him in cases like the Alexander Litvinenko assassination and the Salisbury Novichok poisonings. Neil also spent five years leading an anti-corruption team (the real Line of Duty). Already a qualified photo-journalist, Neil’s police and travel experiences led to writing his series of crime thrillers. The subject matter, all adapted from real-world experience, cover diverse subjects, including; people trafficking, nuclear terrorism and the smuggling of rare animals.
Neil’s policing experience, and his ability to turn it into drama, led to commissions as a Police Advisor on TV shows, including Coronation Street and Waterloo Road. His enquiring mind also turned itself to historical research, and a historical novel, based around the iron and coal industries of the Derbyshire village he calls home.
After retirement, the enjoyment for travel, and interest in history led to writing guidebooks. The Robin Hood 500 (500RH) is a 500 mile journey from Nottingham, to Robin Hood’s Bay and back, via Yorkshire and Derbyshire’s Peak District. Neil’s talk From Policeman to Crime Writer weaves his real-life experiences through the creation of his 10 books. Explaining the creative process, and where fact meets fiction.
Neil is a confident speaker. His talks can be adapted to suit any audience. They can also be more narrowly focussed on specific areas of his experience.
Should your group be let down at short notice, it is always worth contacting Neil about availability. The fast-changing nature of police work made Neil very adaptable.
Other Talks on SpeakerNet by Neil Hallam
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