NCJ Number
57329
Journal
Police Review Volume: 87 Dated: (MARCH 23, 1979) Pages: 446-448,450-453
Date Published
1979
Length
7 pages
Annotation
THE 2,300 OFFICERS OF THE BRITISH TRANSPORT POLICE ENFORCE THE MANY LAWS AFFECTING THE TRAINS, SHIPS, SUBWAYS, AND BUSES AND ARE IN CHARGE OF MAINTAINING PUBLIC ORDER, INVESTIGATING CRIMES, AND STOPPING THEFT.
Abstract
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING ARE THE SAME AS THOSE FOR THE REGULAR POLICE FORCE. HOWEVER, SPECIAL TRAINING IS GIVEN IN THE AREAS OF TRANSPORT LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE FUNDING COMES FROM THE BRITISH RAIL BOARD, THE BRITISH TRANSPORT DOCK BOARD, AND THE LONDON TRANSPORT EXECUTIVE. THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE FORCE ARE ASSIGNED TO 1 OF 12 DIVISIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. THEY USE A SOPHISTICATED COMPUTER SYSTEM TO KEEP TRACK OF CARGO LOSSES, COURT COSTS, AND CRIMINAL CASES. ABOUT 40,000 PROSECUTIONS ARE BROUGHT EACH YEAR AND ABOUT 80,000 SUMMARY OFFENSES ARE HANDLED ANNUALLY. A MAJOR PROBLEM IS THE MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC ORDER, ESPECIALLY DURING SATURDAY FOOTBALL GAMES WHEN THOUSANDS OF FANS JAM THE SPECIAL TRAINS. FIGHTS, PICKPOCKETING, AND GENERAL CROWD CHAOS CAN TIE UP THE FORCE FOR 12 HOURS DURING A MAJOR GAME. ABOUT 350 OFFICERS WORK FULL TIME ON CARGO PROTECTION AND THEFT. AN UNPLEASANT DUTY IS THE REMOVAL OF ABOUT 400 BODIES A YEAR FROM RAILWAY TRACKS. ABOUT A PERSON A WEEK COMMITS SUICIDE IN THE SUBWAY, RAILWAYMEN ARE KILLED ACCIDENTALLY, AND ABOUT 20 CHILDREN A YEAR ARE KILLED ON RAILWAY TRACKS. THE DOCKS PRESENT SPECIAL PROBLEMS: CARGO THEFT, ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, AND SMUGGLING OF DRUGS AND EXPLOSIVES. TRANSPORT POLICE COOPERATE FULLY WITH OTHER POLICE UNITS IN SUCH CASES. THE ARTICLE IS ILLUSTRATED WITH PHOTOGRAPHS. (GLR)