Appendix A - Summary report from the Scottish Railway Policing Committee

Tuesday 26 November 2024

SPA Members – Tom Halpin and Mary Pitcaithly

Policing Plan Performance 2024-25 Quarter 2

Members welcomed a reduction in recorded crime during the quarter, down 5.8% from quarter 1, also noting a decrease in violence (-17%) and in injury (-34%). The solve rate of 46% in D Division (Scotland) remains the strongest across all British Transport Police (BTP) divisions and was commended by members.

Members noted that violence remains an area of focus and challenge across the country, including violence against women and girls. Partnership working with Police Scotland, educational establishments, and other organisations such as football clubs continues in the prevention space.

Members explored performance in relation to shoplifting, with the volume of crimes having reduced by 52% in the quarter despite this remaining a significant issue for the public and retail outlets, and one of particular public and media interest. Members heard about work to design out shoplifting from railway stations and surrounding areas, including joint working with retailers, particularly in the run up to the festive period.

Joint working Police Scotland / British Transport Police

Members recognised ongoing joint working between BTP and Police Scotland, particularly in relation to major events such as the 152nd Open Golf at Troon, Safer Shores, Pavilion Music Festival, and the Scottish Air Show. Members also heard about BTP’s involvement in Police Scotland’s Summer Youth Disorder Action Plan in Lanarkshire, aimed at tackling youth disorder during the summer holidays. Members commended the 95% reduction achieved in relation to youth related violence, antisocial behaviour, and disorder incidents.

An update was provided in relation to BTP being given access to the Police Scotland Interim Vulnerable Persons Database, with testing underway and good progress being made. Members welcomed this positive step forward.

Industry Voice / Rail Staff & Passenger Surveys

Members welcomed the increased levels of participation in Scotland in the most recent Rail Staff and Passenger Surveys. It was also recognised that safety and confidence measures were generally higher in Scotland compared to the rest of the UK.

Rail staff reported that their number one priority was work-related violence and aggression. The top three crimes impacting staff at work were antisocial behaviour, fare evasion, and alcohol-related disorder. 41% stated that they felt confident in BTP’s policing in their place of work, which is significantly improved from 29% last year. Low visibility of officers was the top concern, which Members noted was a similar challenge for Police Scotland in relation to local policing. It was agreed that sharing of good practice could be explored in this area.

Overall passenger safety perception was 73%, which has remained fairly consistent over the last year. 64% of passengers provided a positive performance score for BTP. Antisocial behaviour was selected as the number one concern of passengers.

Thematic: BTP Disruption Review

Members received a presentation regarding BTP’s Disruption Review. While this was a national review and not Scotland specific, Members heard that disruption continues to be a challenge for D Division, particularly around efforts to secure satisfactory hand back times. It was noted that the most common reason for disruption was trespass, but others include damage, theft, and fatalities.

The presentation highlighted the partnership response approach taken to disruption across BTP, local Home Office forces, Police Scotland, and Network Rail. It was noted that the review had found that BTP could be better joined up with industry to ensure passenger welfare during disruption events, and that this learning would be taken forward. The response to the Stonehaven derailment was identified as having shown evidence of best practice.

BTP confirmed they remain committed to using drones in Scotland and are working within the parameters set out in the Police Scotland code of practice.

Policing Plan Review and Annual Report

The Committee received an update on the Policing Plan for 2025-27, noting that this included cross-referencing with the Scottish Government’s policing priorities, the Joint Strategy for Policing, and Police Scotland’s 2030 Vision, to ensure all are well-aligned. Members recognised the positive approach and methodology used, including the focus on performance.

Members also considered an Annual Report regarding Best Value, noting that BTPA had consulted with the Scottish Police Authority when developing their approach to Best Value to ensure alignment. Members heard that HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) would be carrying out a BV review of Police Scotland and the SPA next year, and agreed that it may be beneficial to seek external assurance in relation to BTP/BTPA’s self-assessment at some point in the future.

Audit and Inspection Update

BTP is currently tracking 38 open recommendations from force-wide Government Internal Audit Agency (GIAA) audits and 67 from HMICFRS inspections. It was noted that in the previous quarter there had been minimal standalone audit and inspection to report in D Division (Scotland) specifically.

Members recognised the positive results in D Division, and in particular Edinburgh Waverley’s property store where a 100% audit of over 1000 items was conducted and the team highlighted Store Management and Governance as excellent.