It is with great sadness that the Authority announces the sudden death of Catherine Crawford, Member of the British Transport Police Authority, who died in the early hours of Friday 20 March 2015. Catherine had been diagnosed with a serious illness late last year.

Catherine became a member of the BTPA in September 2013, having been a civil servant in the Home Office for much of her career. She was also Chief Executive of the Metropolitan Police Authority and of the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime until 2012. She possessed an extensive knowledge of policing and her outstanding contribution to the subject was recognised by her being appointed an OBE in 2010.

Millie Banerjee, Chair of the Police Authority said:

“Catherine made a strong impact at the BTPA thanks to her expertise and deep understanding of policing issues. She exercised her role with commitment, wit and good humour. She will be sorely missed by her colleagues at the Authority, the BTP and by many people in the wider policing world. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this very sad time.”

In response to reports in the media regarding the future of railway policing in Scotland, Millie Banerjee chair of the British Transport Police Authority has said:

“We will continue to work closely with the Scottish government while they consider the details for the future model for policing in Scotland.

“Our priority as always is to ensure passengers are not put at risk by any changes and officers’ interests are ensured.”

A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesman said:

“We are aware of the Justice Secretary’s public comments on the future of railway policing in Scotland. Our number one priority remains the continued safety and security of the railways in Scotland, and across the rest of the network.

“Since the announcement that rail policing was to be devolved, we have been in dialogue with the Scottish and UK governments, the rail industry and other key stakeholders. These discussions continue.”

 You can read our previous statements on this subject here.

BTPA support APCC seeking Nick Clegg’s backing for extension of mental health support.

Millie Banerjee Chair of the British Transport Police Authority said:

“Early intervention is the best prevention and I hope the government picks up on this matter of national concern.

“Suicide is on the increase nationally and is often something forces like the BTP have to deal with but, instead of being the final safety net, they are often the first.  We have worked closely with BTP and partners to ensure the right support is available but more needs to be done to support people earlier.

“Any proposal that would identify and support the most vulnerable early on surely makes sense socially and financially.”

Statement on the behaviour of alleged Chelsea fans in Paris and London.

Millie Banerjee Chair of the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA) said:

“This behaviour is shocking and disgusting.

“I know BTP is doing everything they can to catch these men on home turf. We will continue to work with BTP and welcome further talks with all relevant bodies to support them in clamping down on the minority of people who ruin football for everyone and jeopardise the safety of passengers.”

The British Transport Police Authority (BTPA) has committed to working closely with the Scottish Government following the announcement that policing of the railways in Scotland is to be devolved.

Responding to the announcement on Thursday, 22 January, Chair of the BTPA, Millie Banerjee, said:

“Today’s announcement is about giving the Scottish people the power to decide how the rail network is policed. Work on how this can be done is already underway and we look forward to continuing conversations with the Scottish Government in order to develop the best possible model for policing the railways in Scotland.

“Our main priority is to ensure passengers are not put at risk by any changes.”

Chief Constable of the BTP Paul Crowther said:

“The continued safety and security of the travelling public in Scotland, and the rest of the UK, remains our top priority.

“The public can be assured that while discussions over future reforms take place, we will continue to provide the professional and specialist police service they expect. Despite the uncertainty of recent months, our officers and staff have got on with the job with dedication and professionalism, and they will continue to do so.”

The full Government announcement is available on the Scotland Office website (BTP is covered on page 72).