Meeting with British Transport Police

Our ref: HSR

Head Office Circular NP/203/24

8^th August 2024

To: The Secretary

ALL BRANCHES

REGIONAL COUNCILS

 

Dear Colleague

 

Meeting with British Transport Police 

 

I met with the Chief Constable and other representatives of British Transport Police (BTP) yesterday afternoon.

 

At this meeting, BTP emphasised their commitment to protect the safety and wellbeing of passengers and railway staff during the current country-wide wave of violence fuelled by the far right.

 

Their ask of the unions was to encourage the correct use of body worn video cameras- which they say produces an 80-90% prosecution rate- and also promote the use of the text number 61016 to report any violence or threat of violence (999 still to be called in the event of an emergency).

 

I am happy to so encourage members.

 

I repeated the union’s call for stations to be closed in the event of serious and imminent danger to workers or the public.  BTP committed to do so should circumstances warrant, and also for trains to be directed to pass through stations as appropriate.

 

In terms of upcoming potential flashpoints, the Chief Constable confirmed that all leave has been cancelled for its officers in order to provide sufficient numbers in order to tackle any violence or threat of violence.

 

BTP has committed to keep the unions updated and work with us in securing the protection of our members and the public alike during these dangerous times.

 

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary