Introduction to the British Transport Police
The work BTP does is complex, spanning all areas of policing from community policing through to armed response and counterterrorism. In fulfilling its statutory purpose to deliver efficient and effective policing for the railways in England, Scotland and Wales, BTP also plays a vitally important role in preventing and tackling disruption caused by incidents on the railway, addressing violent crime, countering the terrorist threat and protecting Great Britain’s critical railway infrastructure. BTP is committed to helping people in crisis and those who are vulnerable or at risk of exploitation, recognising the unique risks of the railway environment in this context. This significant task, which spans 10,000 miles of track and more than 3,000 railway stations and depots, relies on the hard work, dedication and experience of officers and police staff, right across Great Britain.
BTP is accountable to the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA), under the remit of the Secretary of State for Transport, rather than the Home Secretary or the Cabinet Secretary for Justice in Scotland. BTP is funded by the rail industry, and must operate efficiently and effectively, delivering a high-quality, responsive service at a cost which delivers recognisable value for money for its industry partners, whilst keeping the travelling public safe.
The current members of the BTP Chief Officer Group are:
- Chief Constable: Lucy D’Orsi
- Deputy Chief Constable: Alistair Sutherland
- Assistant Chief Constable: Charlie Doyle
- Assistant Chief Constable: Sean O’Callaghan
- Assistant Chief Constable: Ian Drummond-Smith
- Director of People and Culture: Rachael Etebar
- Director of Corporate Development: Steff Sharp
Introduction to the British Transport Police Authority
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. BTPA is the employer of all officers and police staff and is an Executive Non-Departmental Body sponsored by the Department for Transport.
BTPA is currently made up of 14 Members appointed by the Department for Transport and supported by a small Executive Team. Members of the Authority provide knowledge and experience of issues that concern passengers, the railway industry, railway employees and the devolved nations. They meet up to six times a year to set policing plans, monitor performance and allocate funds for BTP’s budget.