British Transport Police
From SR
Roles
The British Transport Police (BTP) is the national police force for the railways providing a policing service to rail operators, their staff and passengers throughout England, Wales and Scotland.
The Force is also responsible for policing the London Underground system, Docklands Light Railway, the Glasgow Subway, the Midland Metro tram system and Croydon Tramlink.
Through the Government's integrated transport policy, railways are playing an increasing role in the life and prosperity of the nation with five and a half million passenger journeys daily. In addition, over a quarter of a million tons of freight are moved from depots to docks, from factories to customers.
British Transport Police (BTP) has the task of ensuring that all this takes place within a safe and secure environment. As the specialist police service for Britain’s railways, they aim to help deliver a safe railway that is free from disruption and the fear of crime.
Structure
Working closely with their partners in the rail industry and local police forces, BTP is a national police service divided into seven geographical areas covering 10,000 miles of track and more than 3,000 railway stations and depots.
The Force Headquarters (FHQ) provide leadership, policy development, national strategic planning, monitoring, quality control and advice functions for the organisation. The vast majority of police support staff are employed at FHQ.
Reporting Hierarchy
The Chief Constable, Ian Johnston CBE QPM, is responsible to the British Transport Police Authority for the overall direction and control of the Force.
The BTP is regulated by the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA), an independent body responsible for ensuring an efficient and effective police force for the rail network in England, Scotland and Wales.
