BTP expanding

[WatcherZero]

New exclusively counter-terrorism focused hubs to be opened in Birmingham and Manchester with firearms, dog and behavioural detection units. The areas will see increased patrols.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-42413904

British Transport Police (BTP) is scaling up counter terrorism operations in Manchester and Birmingham.

New firearms, dog and "behavioural detection" units "solely dedicated to counter-terrorism" are to be created in the cities the force said.

Supt Ricky Twyford said it is the first time the force has based armed officers outside London and gives "enhanced capability" against terrorism.

He said the move is not in response to any direct threat to the rail network.

Assistant Chief Constable Alun Thomas said London-based officers have been "patrolling trains and stations" around the country since early this year.


"But in the current climate, we know how important it is to make sure we have specialist and highly trained officers in the right place at the right time to keep people safe," he said.

Supt Twyford said the new units will be permanent and that Manchester is a "central strategic location in the north".

He said while the plan for these hubs was under way before the Manchester Arena terror attack in May, the attack has "driven the speed" of the change.

 

[jon0844]

Will these be extra officers, or come at the expense of others?

 

[WatcherZero]

Additional positions from national counter terrorism funding pot, that's why their roles are ringfenced. Enhanced policing funding seems to be roughly £17m split 40:60 between Underground and National rail, about 5% of the core policing resource total.

 

[skyhigh]

I thought this had already been announced to be honest - I think it's a good thing. Experienced firearms officers are being recruited and internal promotions made. Theoretically those officers should be replaced meaning no drop in numbers.

 

[WatcherZero]

170 increase in head count apparently, though that's not all frontline officers but including support staff and investigators.

 

[lordbusiness]

Good news for BTP, Rail Staff and Customers. Adds an extra layer of protection to some of our busiest stations and strengthens BTP's case to stay an independent force.

 

[47271]

Meanwhile, in Scotland we'll soon have no specialist railway policing at all.

 

[lordbusiness]

Meanwhile, in Scotland we'll soon have no specialist railway policing at all.

Yep big concerns within the industry and BTP. I can't see PSoS putting the same priorities on railways that we currently have. Especially with things like railways suicide prevention and post incident clear up. Let alone ASB etc.
There are also noises that Wales may go the same way, which leaves the rest of BTP vulnerable. There are concerns over a merger with the MOD Police and CNC which would be a disaster.

 

[Andrew1395]

The specialism on terrorism makes you think the BTP should regain influence at sea ports and airports. Personally I would go further and create a specialist motorway highways force under the BTP. Geographical based organisation for local policing maybe still apppropriate, but specialisms in say cyber crime, and others should have specialist forces organised nationally. My only concern is that the BTP is spread very thin to deal with the routine policing of the current rail network

 

[lordbusiness]

My only concern is that the BTP is spread very thin to deal with the routine policing of the current rail network

Agreed, I would love to see more Cops out and about on the Network but in the most part it's down to money and having to prioritise. You're absolutely correct that BTP are spread thinly, especially in the regions. Most policing is prioritised according to Threat-Risk-Harm so anything that doesn't score highly sees less resourcing- graffiti being a case in point.
Don't forget that the BTP is paid for largely by the TOC's through Police Service agreements. This will mean post the PSoS takeover the funding will go to them, rather than to BTP for what will probably be a lower level of service (English TOC's will also have to chip in).
Anyway, this has been done to death on another thread!