The BTP has launched its latest #WhatMatters consultation campaign.
Members of the public can let BTP know what matters to them in policing the railways and help shape policy by completing an online survey.
The British Transport Police Authority (BTPA) has issued this year’s full targets to the officers that police Britain’s railways in the latest national and regional Policing Plans. The BTPA, which oversees the work of British Transport Police (BTP), has worked closely with BTP, representatives of the rail industry and passengers to produce this year’s Policing Plans.
The BTPA has taken on board the feedback received from more than 6,000 rail passengers and 3,700 staff collected via the National Rail Passenger survey and BTP’s own public consultation. BTP is committed to increasing its visibility, especially on late-night services, to help increase passenger confidence. Equally, included in the plans are the contact details of the commanders across the country, as well as website and Twitter links, so that rail users can say what matters to them.
This year will see the second phase of BTP’s strategy to increase the safety of young people, vulnerable adults and railway staff via its Safeguarding Unit. The BTP will work closely with other police forces and agencies and has included targets to improve the outcomes of investigations into allegations and increase confidence amongst staff as a result. The Plans will also continue to focus effort on the broader aims of reducing crime, tackling disruption, increasing confidence and delivering better value for money, in line with the longer term targets for 2019.
The 2015/16 national targets for BTP include:
Local targets for London and East /South of England include:
Local targets for Pennine, Wales, Western, Midlands include:
Local targets for Scotland include:
Esther McVey, Chair of the BTPA said: “The targets that the Authority has given to the BTP this year aim to ensure that passengers get home safe and secure; and railway workers can get on with their job without fear of abuse or assault.
They will help BTP on the road to meeting its longer term goals against the testing background of increasing passenger numbers, a developing terrorist threat and infrastructure developments such as the Night Tube and Crossrail.
It is important that passengers and staff continue to let us know what they see as policing priorities and how these are being met so we can continue to set appropriate targets.”
The Chief Constable of BTP, Paul Crowther added: “During 2016/17 we will continue to develop our transformation programme, helping us work smarter and ensure we are in the right place at the right time, with the right equipment to make decisions and do our job effectively.”
The British Transport Police Authority (BTPA) is pleased to announce that Robin Smith has been appointed to the vacant Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) role at the British Transport Police (BTP)Robin will be joining the Force from Sussex Constabulary, where he was temporary Deputy Chief Constable, on 19 September.
He has more than 30 years’ policing experiencing, including ACC at Sussex Police, where his roles included responsibility for the Local Policing and Crime portfolio, Head of Operations for Surrey and Sussex and Head of the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit.
Robin is also a former Divisional Commander at Gatwick Airport and is a Strategic Firearms Commander and Gold Public Order Commander.
He had previously been the NPCC lead for Local Policing and Crimestoppers and is a director and trustee for The Gurney Fund for Police Orphans.
Esther McVey, Chair of the British Transport Police Authority, said: “I am delighted to announce Robin’s appointment to the Force. He brings with him a wide range of relevant experience gained in a territorial police force and I look forward to the fresh perspective he will bring.”
Robin said: “I feel very privileged and excited about my new role. BTP has an enviable reputation and I look forward to working closely with the executive team, officers, staff, partners, stakeholders and the BTPA to deliver the very best service to the public.”
British Transport Police Chief Constable Paul Crowther said: “I am very much looking forward to working alongside Robin, who brings with him a wealth of expertise and knowledge from his time with Sussex. I know he will be a valuable addition to the Force as we move forward, facing new challenges and working to keep the travelling public safe.”
The Department for Transport has appointed Ray O’Toole as interim BTPA member for a 12 month period.
Ray officially joined the Authority on 2 November and will play a vital role in overseeing the work of the British Transport Police.
Ray joins with solid experience in this role having previously served as a member of the Authority from 2005 – 2009.
Andrew Figgures Chief Executive of BTPA said:
“Ray is a welcome addition to our organisation and to our body of members. His knowledge and passion for the rail industry will be invaluable as we guide the work of the nation’s railways police.”
Currently the Chief Executive of Essential Fleet Services, Ray was also Chief Operating Officer for National Express with responsibility for all fleet performance across the global organisation. Ray is a qualified mechanical engineer, who formerly served as Director of Engineering for First Group.
Esther McVey has been appointed as the new Chair of the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA), for a four year term.
The new Chair will play a vital role in setting the strategic direction of the BTPA to ensure that the British Transport Police (BTP) – which polices Britain’s rail network – is an efficient and effective force that provides excellent service, maintains the security of the transport network, and delivers value for money for the taxpayer.
Esther, who officially takes up her post today, got a taste of her new role when she briefly visited BTP’s offices with the Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin yesterday. Esther and Patrick met the Chief Constable of BTP Paul Crowther and discussed transport safety as well as touring BTP’s CCTV facilities.
As part of her role, Esther McVey will work with the BTP to oversee transport security and to tackle the issue of sexual violence on the rail network.
The appointment was made by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin following an independent selection process.
Patrick McLoughlin said:
“The security of the travelling public has never been more important and Esther McVey will bring considerable skills to this vital task. Although Britain has one of the safest railways in Europe we face increasing risks that mean there can be no room for complacency. The British Transport Police do a fantastic job keeping passengers safe and secure and I am confident that under Esther’s guidance that record can continue.”
Responding to the announcement Andrew Figgures Chief Executive of the Authority said:
“I congratulate Esther on her success in being appointed Chair of the BTPA.
“She will provide strong leadership to the Authority in governing BTP so that it delivers value for money by achieving its strategic goals of reducing disruption and crime whilst increasing passenger confidence within a tight budget.”
New Chair of BTPA Esther McVey added:
“With more and more people using the railways, the role of the British Transport Police in allowing people to travel safely is more important than ever. I am delighted to have been appointed Chair of the Police Authority and am honoured to be taking up this role. I look forward to playing my part in building on the excellent work the British Transport Police does.”
Chief Constable Paul Crowther said:
“I welcome Esther as the new Chair of the BTPA. She joins us at an exciting and challenging time as the Force delivers a significant change programme to enable us to achieve our strategic objectives of reducing crime and disruption and increasing confidence levels.
“I met Esther yesterday when she visited our CCTV hub with the Secretary of State for Transport and I look forward to working with her as we build on our specialist approach to meet the current and future challenges of policing the rail network.”