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date 10 Sep 2002 00:00
source Department for Transport
type Press release

Transport Minister John Spellar announced today a new national, independent police authority is to be set up for the British Transport Police.

The Minister confirmed that the Government intends to press ahead with proposals to set up a police authority for the BTP and to place their railways jurisdiction on a statutory basis. This follows a positive response from a wide range of interested parties consulted. The measures will improve the BTP's public accountability and ensure that its officers can pursue their duties more efficiently and effectively.

Over 70 organisations and individuals responded to the consultation paper 'Modernising the British Transport Police' which set out details of the proposals for the BTP. The overwhelming majority or responses were in favour. They require primary legislation and will be implemented when a suitable legislative opportunity arises.

John Spellar said:

"As Britain's national police force for the railways, the British Transport Police have a crucial role to play in encouraging more people to travel by rail by providing a safe environment. The BTP already have a good record in discharging their responsibilities for tackling crime, minimising the fear of crime and increasing the confidence of passengers in a secure and pleasant environment. These measures will ensure proper public accountability and improve the BTP's ability to protect the public by confirming their railways jurisdiction."

Welcoming the proposals, Ian Johnston, Chief Constable of the BTP, said:

"This is an important development in that it reinforces the crucial part that British Transport Police play in the wider context of policing both in the capital and elsewhere nationally. And it reinforces the specialist nature of the service we provide"

Notes to Editors

A Consultation Paper "Modernising the British Transport Police" was published on 10 October 2001 setting out the Government's proposals for strengthening the public standing of the force and putting them on a proper statutory footing. The consultation process closed on 4 January 2002. The four proposals in the paper were to:

(i) give officers of the British Transport Police (BTP) limited jurisdiction off the railways in certain circumstances;

(ii) give the BTP a number of additional police powers that were only previously available to constables of local police forces;

(iii) set up a national independent police authority for the BTP;

(iv) put the BTP's jurisdiction on the railways on a statutory basis.

The first two proposals have been implemented in the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 and the Police Reform Act 2002.

The BTP are the national police force for the railways throughout England, Scotland and Wales. They police the national railway network, London Underground and a number of local transport systems. They are the only national police force involved in day to day public policing. With over 2,000 officers and an annual budget of £123m, which is entirely funded by the railways industry, the BTP deal with some 70,000 crimes and 43,000 minor offences annually. These cover virtually the full range of matters dealt with by any police force, including violent crimes and robbery, as well as crimes specific to railways such as handling major rail incidents and helping to restore railway services, protecting the railways from vandalism and supporting victims of accidents.

The force's operations are closely integrated with local Home Office forces and they provide policing services to exactly the same, high professional standard. They have particular expertise in such areas as protection from terrorism, management of large travelling groups such as football supporters, and control of anti-social behaviour in enclosed areas such as railway stations and on trains.

Press Enquires: 020 7944 3108
E-mail: press@dft.gov.uk
Public Enquiries: 020 7944 8300
Department for Transport Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk

Railhub Archive ::: 2002-09-10 DfT-001