Counter-terrorism unit launched on rail network
BRITISH Transport Police is creating a new counter-terrorism unit in Birmingham as it increases the number of armed officers patrolling railway stations across the UK.
The force is looking to recruit officers dedicated to counter terrorism and is creating two more units in Birmingham and Manchester.
The units will consist of firearms officers, specialist support dogs and behavioural detection officers.
Assistant Chief Constable Alun Thomas said: “Although our firearms units are currently based in London, they have been regularly patrolling trains and stations in places such as Manchester and Birmingham 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, which is why we are looking to recruit even more people. Recruitment for new officers to fill the hubs started in August and locations have been sought for the new offices. Each unit will also include specialist equipment, vehicles and staff to support the operations.”
ACC Thomas said the officers would be highly visible at railway stations and said they would be engaging with the public.
He added: “By basing new officers in the Midlands and the North, it allows us to make that an absolute reality.
“At BTP, these officers will be solely dedicated to counter terrorism using a policing style that is engaging, public facing and reassuring, complementing local policing and will be extensively trained and supported with regular exercising across the network.”