Cutting crime on the railway

The importance the British Transport Police's (BTP) role has never been greater. The author explains why it is necessary to have a dedicated transport police force rather than leaving local police forces to look after their local sections of the railway. Patterns of crime across the whole network can be picked up; crimes detrimental to the railway in particular, such as copper cable theft, can be given serious attention; the force has a commercial understanding of the railway and its operating environment. It operates nationally, although 40% of their resources need to be concentrated in London. Larger crowds in stations and more passengers on the trains have resulted in the need for good crowd control to help to avoid theft and assault crimes. More bars and shops on station concourses lead to more alcohol related and shoplifting crimes. Football matches and music events need to be carefully policed. CCTV, Wi-Fi connections and the use of other high technology devices on trains and stations help in the battle against crime. Fatality management is another BTP function, and counter-terrorism work presents phenomenal challenges. BTP plans to continue to work with the railway industry to realise their joint ambition of a bigger, better and safer railway.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00268356
• Authors:
  • Johnston, I
• Publication Date: 2008-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 96-98
• Monograph Title: City Class - 'Going Green'
• Serial:
  • MODERN RAILWAYS
  • Volume: 65
  • Issue Number: 716
  • Publisher: Ian Allan Publishing, Limited
  • ISSN: 0026-8356

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Law enforcement; Legislation; Networks; Police; Railroad stations; Railroad transportation
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
• ITRD Terms: 1534: Enforcement (law); 1556: Legislation; 1522: Police; 1173: Rail bound transport; 1063: Railway network; 1095: Station (railway); 8119: United Kingdom
• Subject Areas: Law; Railroads; Security and Emergencies; Terminals and Facilities; I10: Economics and Administration;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01109393
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Aug 25 2008 8:15AM