Army cops on patrol at rail stations

MILITARY police are patrolling two of Britain’s busiest train stations and searching civilian suspects.

British Transport Police have recruited the extra manpower from the Royal Military Police.

The controversial partnership has helped snatch hundreds of thousands of pounds in cash and drugs back off our streets.

The 160 Provost Company and 156 Provost Company of the Royal Military Police – known as Redcaps because of their headgear colour – have taken part in the operations.

After successes at London’s Waterloo Station the scheme was expanded to Liverpool Street station.

The joint military patrols have also been at smaller stations around Greater London.

BTP Superintendent Matt Allingham said: “The uniqueness of having joint military and police personnel on patrol also provides a conversation starter with the travelling public.

“Our initial pilot based at Waterloo was a big success and we’re pleased to be able to expand the scheme so more officers can get involved and hope to roll the scheme out even further in future.”

The relationship between the police and military police was revealed in a Freedom of Information Request.

It says RMP officers must not carry firearms, drive RMP vehicles or take part in vehicle pursuits during their attachments.

A video clip of policing at Woking Station, Berks, shows military police officers in Army fatigues searching suspects.

Major Michael Boyd, Officer Commanding 156 Provost Company, 4 Regiment Royal Military Police said: “Essex, Suffolk, Hampshire and beyond are areas with significant military bases, with numerous Forces personnel and their families using the rail network every day.

“This partnership expands the ability of our organisation to effectively support the service community.”