BTPA is the independent body responsible for ensuring an efficient and effective police force for rail operators, their staff and passengers. Its duties and functions are similar to those of the Scottish Police Authority or a police and crime commissioner in England and Wales, but it oversees a force that is responsible for policing a much wider area – the railways of Great Britain.
There are currently 16 members of the police authority who provide knowledge and experience of issues that concern passengers, the railway industry and railway employees. They meet up to six times a year to set British Transport Police targets, monitor its operations and allocate funds for its budget.