About the British Transport Police information

The British Transport Police (BTP) is the national police force for the railways providing a policing service to rail operators, their staff and passengers throughout England, Wales and Scotland.

The BTP is also responsible for policing the London Underground system, the Docklands Light Railway, the Midland Metro Tram System and Croydon Tramlink.

The BTP Authority was established on 1 July 2004 under the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003. The Authority, which is classified as an executive Non Departmental Public Body of the Department for Transport, has a statutory duty to maintain an efficient and effective police force for the railways.

The BTP is funded by the rail industry and the Authority is responsible for setting its annual budget. The Chair of the Authority and other members, consisting of a mix of industry and non-industry members, are appointed directly by the Secretary of State for Transport.

Review of British Transport Police 2004

A short review of the British Transport police (BTP) undertaken by the DfT, the BTP and the Home Office. It considers the role of the BTP, its current funding arrangements and future funding options.

Published:

11 October 2004

Last update:

11 October 2005

Review of British Transport Police 2005

The review of the British Transport Police undertaken by the Department for Transport in parallel with the review of the 43 local police forces being undertaken by the Home Secretary.