British Transport Police showcase work of neighbourhood policing teams during week of action

You might think of your neighbourhood as the place you live, maybe even the area you work in – but did you know that the stations and trains you regularly use are also your neighbourhood?

That’s why British Transport Police have Neighbourhood Policing Teams at work across the country at stations where you travel to and from, to help keep you safe and create a safe environment.

The work of the Neighbourhood Policing Teams on the railway is very similar to the policing teams working in the communities where you live and work.

Teams are made up of specials, volunteers, police officers and cadets. They patrol stations and trains and engage with station staff and passengers to find out what matters most and look at ways to address your concerns.

This could be anything from anti social behaviour and trespass to addressing issues like poor lighting or graffiti.

The NPT are the frontline officers you’ll see day to day but there’s also a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes too, from school visits to educate young people about rail safety and meetings with underrepresented members of the community to meeting with advisory bodies where we listen and learn what we can do better.

They also help organise knife arches with their Operational Support Unit counterparts and carry out engagement days at stations, colleges and universities to talk about sexual harassment and how to report unwanted sexual behaviour and make communities aware of our 61016 text number.

Regular meetings with members of the community, station staff, retailers and representatives from train operating companies help shape how policing issues in your area can best be tackled and give teams the opportunity to talk to passengers about current issues.

Supt Dave Rams, neighbourhood policing lead for BTP said:

“The unique railway environment is made up of a diverse range of passengers, railway staff, stakeholders, retailers and partners – this is the railway community and your neighbourhood.

“Our Neighbourhood Policing Teams are the familiar faces you see every day at stations and on trains – they reduce the fear of crime, keep people safe and increase community trust and confidence by working with the people that matter to tackle issues of local concern.

“They are the reassuring visible presence of the police in communities right across the country.
Our neighbourhood policing teams are working hard to keep you safe at stations and on trains – if you see them, say hello and find out more about what we’re doing to make your journey safer.”