Summary report from the Scottish Railway Policing Committee

Operational Update

The committee welcomed ACC Ian Drummond-Smith to his first meeting, following the retirement of DCC Alistair Sutherland. ACC Drummond-Smith provided an operational update for D Division (Scotland), noting that this is the best performing division in British Transport Police (BTP) in terms of both crime volume and detection rates, and commending the achievements of the team.
This included an update on BTP’s use of drones. It was confirmed BTP will be able to implement visual line of sight use of drones in Scotland in line with the Police Scotland approach. Members noted that beyond visual line of sight was now being piloted in Leeds, with there having previously been an indication that this would take place in Scotland. Members expressed their support for pursuing the possibility of an additional pilot in Scotland, noting that this would require engagement with Police Scotland, a further public consultation and would be dependent on capital funding.

Policing Plan Performance Q4 / Year End 2024-25

It was highlighted that while there has been an increase in recorded crimes of 3.4% (73 crimes) in 2024-25 there has also been a 3.4% increase in the solved rate. The solve rate for robberies was 91%, an increase of 14% on the previous year. There had also been a 9% reduction in recorded incidents of disruption and a 15% reduction in total minutes lost.

Violence against women and girls increased by 19% (38 crimes) in 2024-25. It was noted that while increased confidence in reporting, including amongst witnesses and staff, was partly the reason for the increase, it was not entirely due to this and that this was a trend evident across the UK. The D Division solve rate for the year was 63%, which is higher than in other divisions. Members commended the positive work of the team and performance results.

British Transport Police and Police Scotland Joint Working

Members heard some positive examples of joint working including the Suicide Prevention Strategic Group in Police Scotland’s K Division (Renfrewshire and Inverclyde), the Safer Shores operation in Ayrshire, and public order operations around football fixtures in Glasgow.
It was also noted that preparation for the upcoming Commonwealth Games has commenced, with BTP and Police Scotland working together to plan for this event.

Thematic: Retail Crime

A presentation was provided on the Retail Crime Taskforce put in place to tackle shoplifting, where crime volumes have increased significantly and over an extended period. The Taskforce brings together a range of partners including Police Scotland, BTP and retailers, and is currently funded by the Scottish Government for one year. Members noted that this particularly affects BTP in relation to shoplifting from shops within stations, however the tackling of retail crime also impacts on public and passenger confidence.

Audit and Inspections Update

It was highlighted that D Division continues to show positive results, with all Production Stores in Scotland achieving 100% in audits carried out during 2024-25 and D Division often being highlighted as best practice at force meetings.
A summary of D Division audit performance from quarter 4 crime and incident audits showed that 95% of the crimes disclosed were recorded in line with the crime recording standard, 92% were recorded within 72 hours, and 96% were correctly classified. This compares favourably to England and Wales, where 84% were correctly classified. Members commended the teams involved.

Annual Review of the Workplan and Terms of Reference

Members reviewed and confirmed they were content with the Committee terms of reference. A new style of workplan was also approved, which has been expanded and is now better aligned to Best Value themes.

Optimised Policing Model in Scotland

A verbal update was provided on the BTP Optimised Policing Model which seeks to ensure BTP officers are in the right place at the right time with the right skills to meet rising demand. Members agreed that it would be important for the SRPC to provide scrutiny of the Model once it was reported formally to committee, to ensure there is equity across the UK and that the rationale for any changes in Scotland is fully understood.

Sex and Gender

Members received a brief update on work following the Supreme Court’s judgement in relation to sex and gender and how this relates to areas of policing such as stop and search. BTP confirmed that in D Division they work to the Scottish Code of Practice for stop and search and will follow any additional rules introduced in relation to this. It was noted that work is underway in Police Scotland to respond to the judgement and that this will be shared with BTP.