The British Transport Police Authority (BTPA) have today appointed Karen Findlay LVO KPM as Assistant Chief Constable at the British Transport Police (BTP).
Karen started her broad and impressive career in policing at Grampian Police. She has also undertaken roles as Head of Operations for the National Police Operations Coordination Centre, and secondments to the Police Service of Northern Ireland and South Wales Police to oversee and support national event delivery. Most recently, Karen served as Temporary Commander in the Metropolitan Police Service with responsibility for major events including all key sporting, ceremonial and protest activity, public order policing, emergency preparedness, business continuity and resourcing for the service.
In December 2023, she was recognised in the King’s New Year’s Honours as a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order, as well as receiving the King’s Police Medal for her extensive public order command experience in challenging and complex significant event delivery, including Operation London Bridge, the State Funeral of Her Majesty and as Gold Commander for Operation Golden Orb, the Coronation of King Charles III. In addition, her significant contribution to and advocacy of diversity in the service.
Karen will join the Force in June 2024.
Chair of the BTPA, Ron Barclay-Smith said: “I am delighted that Karen is joining BTP’s Chief Officer group. We had some outstanding applicants for this role, but Karen’s stellar experience in high-level policing, major incidents and operational command made her stand out. She will be a huge asset to BTP.”
BTP Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi CVO QPM said: “I am thrilled to extend a warm welcome to Karen as she joins BTP at this exciting time. Karen brings a wealth of experience and knowledge, and I am looking forward to working with her as we continue to protect the most vulnerable and create a hostile environment for crime on the railway.”
Karen Findlay said: “I’m delighted to be joining BTP as Assistant Chief Constable and am looking forward in due course to meeting up with the fantastic staff, officers and rail industry partners from across Scotland, England and Wales in what will be a new exciting chapter as a member of the BTP family.
“Whilst embarking on the next steps of this new role, I want to take a moment to reflect on the invaluable wealth of learning and experience, and the much appreciated support I have gained from officers and staff, volunteers, peers and partners who I have had the pleasure of working alongside during my substantial period of service within the Met, and following my initial service with Grampian Police in Scotland.
“The lessons and memories, but above all the people, will always be what remains important to me, and I will strive to ensure those skills, experiences and my passion for policing continue to make a meaningful difference and a positive impact in this next part of the journey. Equally, I am grateful to my family for their continued support in taking this next step forwards.”
Appointments to BTP’s Chief Officer Group are approved by the Secretary of State for Transport. For more information on the BTP’s Chief Officer team, please visit the Chief Officer page on the BTP website.