Decision to bring rail police under single force is slated
Claims of political point scoring over move to use devolved powers
MINISTERS have been accused of political point scoring as it was confirmed the country’s single force will take over the policing of the railways once the function is devolved.
More than 200 British Transport Police officers will be absorbed into Police Scotland under the move confirmed by Justice Secretary Michael Matheson. The process could be completed by the end of 2016.
At present BTP operates as a separate force in Scotland, patrolling the country’s trains and railway stations.
Scottish Conservative transport spokesman Alex Johnstone said the public would be concerned about further centralisation at a time when the single force has been embroiled in a string of scandals over policing methods.
He said: “People will look at this move and think the SNP is again using Police Scotland to make a political point. The British Transport Police are hugely respected and valued by passengers.
“One of their key duties is policing cross-border services, but now they will have to get off the train before Scotland and be replaced by officers from the single force.”
The UK Government has recommended handing the Scottish Parliament legislative competence in relation to railway policing in Scotland under its draft devolution settlement.
BTP had wanted to continue providing its own separate police service, with oversight by Holyrood instead of Westminster. However, Mr Matheson has ruled against that. He said: “Police reforms have been taking place in Scotland over the last 18 months, moving to the single force.
“It’s been the Scottish Government’s view that this [transport policing] would be better if it was integrated into Police Scotland given that it would sit alongside our national police service.
“That’s why we believe this would be a better fit for how we are taking policing for ward in Scotland.”
The Scottish Government said it would hold talks this year with all stakeholders including the rail industry, BTP, the BTP Authority – the watchdog for the force – and the BTP Federation, which represents staff. BTP, which employs 231 officers in Scotland, has previously opposed a merger on the grounds that it might precipitate the break-up of the service nationally. Labour MP Tom Harris, who was the minister responsible for BTP in
‘‘ People will look at this move and think the SNP is again using Police Scotland to make a political point
2007/8, said premature.
He added: “No-one has been consulted – neither the travelling public nor the police officers themselves. A hasty decision today could put at jeopardy the safety of the travelling public tomorrow.”
A British Transport Police spokesman said: “Our number one priority remains the continued safety and security of the railways in Scotland, and across the rest of the network.
“Since the announcement that rail policing was to be devolved, we have been in dialogue with the Scottish and UK governments, the rail industry and key stakeholders. These discussions continue.”
the
move
was TRAIN staff will wear body cameras to boost security at stations and on busy routes.
The 11-week ScotRail trial begins later this month and will see about 200 station and train employees wear cameras at locations including Aberdeen, Ayrshire, Dunbartonshire, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Paisley.
Staff will switch on the devices only to help prevent or document incidents, ScotRail said, and a yellow symbol will clearly show when video and audio is being recorded.
The train operator said the technology has the potential to enhance safety and security by helping deter anti-social behaviour.
Jacqueline Dey, ScotRail’s operations and safety director, said: “While crime has fallen for 10 consecutive years on Scotland’s railways, we’re determined to make rail travel
Footage from the cameras, which are clipped onto uniforms, could potentially be used as evidence in court.
The trial was welcomed by the British Transport Police (BTP), who said rail staff have the right to go about their work without the threat of anti-social behaviour of any kind.
Customers can offer feedback by calling 0330 303 0112 or emailing scotrailcustomer. relations@firstgroup.com.