Rail union, RMT has called for cuts to the British Transport Police (BTP) to be reversed and for urgent action to deliver a safer, properly policed railway following the horrific mass stabbing last Saturday.
The union says new figures show the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) BTP officers has fallen to just over 0.8 per million passenger journeys, down from over 0.9 per million last year — an 11% drop and almost a third fewer than in 2009/10, when there were 1.2 officers per million journeys.
In her latest report to the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA), the Chief Constable warned that the force is now “operating at the limits of safe headcount reduction.”
This year alone, 522 BTP posts have been cut, with another 51 expected to go over the next two years through natural wastage.
RMT says around 1,000 additional officers are needed to return to historic policing levels and ensure a visible police presence on stations and trains.
At the same time, BTP data shows rising crime and antisocial behaviour across the rail network:
• Overall crime up 5.4% last year
• Antisocial behaviour incidents requiring urgent response up 9%
• Violent offences up 14%
• Offences involving women and girls up 12%
RMT says these figures underline the need for a strong, visible BTP presence to protect passengers and rail workers alike.
The union is calling on the Chancellor to ensure funding is made available in the upcoming Budget to rebuild policing levels and restore safety and confidence on Britain’s railways.
RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “The horrific mass stabbing on board a train diverted to Huntingdon station has shocked the whole country and underlines why safety and security for rail workers and passengers must be the top priority.
“We need a properly resourced British Transport Police and a visible presence of officers on stations and trains to reassure passengers and protect staff all year round.
“The BTP has seen officer numbers fall by almost a third since 2009, at the same time as violent crime and antisocial behaviour have risen sharply on the rail network.
“The Chancellor should use the Budget to make sure the funds are there to rebuild BTP strength and deliver the safe, secure rail network that our members and wider public deserves.”
