This week, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) published two inspection reports into the British Transport Police (BTP):
Below is the response from BTPA Chair Ron Barclay Smith:
“BTPA welcomes both reports and the recommendations from the HMICFRS, and we appreciate the time and effort spent inspecting BTP. While HMICFRS have highlighted success in some areas, we realise there is room for improvement, and we are keen to work with the Chief Constable and her teams to ensure we meet the recommendations.
We are pleased to see, and fully agree with, HMICFRS’s decision to mark BTP ‘Good’ when it comes to engaging with the public, preventing crime and protecting vulnerable people. These important areas make up the strategic pillars which direct the everyday work of BTP officers. We are particularly appreciative of the Inspectorate’s acknowledgement of BTP’s work with other organisations, including Independent Advisory Groups (IAGs) and charities that support vulnerable people. BTP were also praised for our “good use” of third-party and anonymous reporting to encourage trust and confidence in individuals or groups who are less likely to engage with the police.
BTPA have noted the ‘Inadequate’ rating for Vetting and Counter Corruption. Since the inspection was carried out, BTP have completed all the HMICFRS’s recommendations. BTP is a force proud of their proactive work on vetting, especially given current media scrutiny of policing. BTP is one of only two Forces nationally to have achieved ISO9001 accreditation for a quality management system for vetting systems and processes. BTPA will continue to work with BTP to push for more robust processes, ensuring a legitimate workforce.”