Appendix A - Summary report from the Scottish Railway Policing Committee Tuesday 25 November 2025

UK Rail Passenger Safety Survey and Rail Staff Survey

The latest survey results showed that 74% of rail passenger respondents in Scotland reported feeling safe, which is higher than in other areas of the UK. The number one issue, identified by 73% of all respondents was anti-social behaviour (ASB).

The results for rail staff in Scotland showed a reduction in the number of from 363 in 2024 to 156 this year (50% reduction), which officers reported was possibly due to survey fatigue. 38% of the rail staff who responded reported feeling safe, which British Transport Police (BTP) noted as being consistent with previous years, but slightly lower in comparison to other divisions. 42% of respondents reported confidence in officers, largely due to reported instances of slow attendance and visibility. Rail staff reported ASB and alcohol-related disorder as having the largest impact on their work.

Member questions focused on ensuring a consistent clear understanding of the definition of ASB, the low numbers of ASB reported on the BTP non-emergency text service (61016) and the evidence that ASB is a priority for both users of the rail network and rail staff. Discussion focused on improving the promotion of 61016 for the public to report ASB, and enforcement measures being explored to tackle ASB.
Operational Update & Policing Plan Performance Q2

Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy attended the meeting for the first time, having joined the force at the end of October 2025. DCC Cundy highlighted that D Division (Scotland) performance continues to be strong compared to other divisions in BTP, also focusing on the importance of the joint working between BTP and Police Scotland.

Q2 performance noted a lower level of violence, which was in part attributed to joint working with ScotRail. DCC Cundy described the work required with partners to reduce staff concern regarding violence. Other areas of note included an increase in graffiti and trespassing. Hand back time following incidents continues to improve but is not yet within the 90-minute target.

It was highlighted that BTP have piloted naloxone in Scotland. This will now be a permanent addition to kit in Scotland on a voluntary basis. To date there have been 18 deployments of naloxone with a further cohort of officers to be trained before Christmas.

Members discussed the deployment of drones in Scotland, emphasising the importance of working with Police Scotland and the Authority to ensure existing Codes of Practice and approaches established in Scotland are adhered to. Chief Superintendent McEwan confirmed that BTP are in regular discussions with Police Scotland and the Authority to ensure alignment.

A business case for visual line of sight drones is due to be presented at the BTP Technical Board week commencing 1 December 2025, which will enable the purchase of two drones for Scotland. The intention is for the drones to be based at Glasgow and Edinburgh and for ten drone pilots to be trained. The deployment model is under development.

Members were presented with a full update on the D Division Rail Safety Action Plan, providing assurance that tailored local plans are in place throughout Scotland, and emphasising the close partnership between BTP and Police Scotland.

A final thanks to BTP was made by a Scottish Government representative with regards to the engagement from BTP on the ongoing Stop and Search Code of Practice review.
BTP Deployment, Exercising & Testing

Assistant Chief Constable Drummond-Smith discussed the considerable training and development of officers in BTP and the emphasis on sharing learning across division. Following two significant recent incidents at Huntington and Cumbria ACC Drummond-Smith committed to briefing the SRPC with learning from these incidents, noting that whilst these incidents occurred beyond D Division, they highlight the importance of joint exercising initiatives in ensuring an appropriate response from police.

Members were presented with details of the BTP deployment model in Scotland. ACC Drummond-Smith explained that a 20-minute deployment model in Scotland is challenging due to the geographic spread of officers, with BTP instead aiming for 60-minute deployment. It was explained that BTP prioritises deployments through managing and overseeing demand, with the busiest stations in Edinburgh and Glasgow having the most resilience. ACC Drummond-Smith emphasised that BTP consistently looks to balance geography and demand.

This presentation presented two potential future scenarios – Scenario A would enable investment in Scotland to enhance resilience in more rural areas, whilst investing in urban areas against projected increases in rail passengers and crimes. Scenario B is a standstill position. A budget position has been prepared for the British Transport Police Authority in December to outline the increase in investment required for each scenario. ACC Drummond-Smith also explained that Transport Scotland had been approached to discuss potential additional investment

Questions from Members focused on potential interoperability between BTP and Police Scotland and potential efficiency savings elsewhere such as through colocation, with BTP responding that there were potential opportunities for streamlining supporting functions internally. Members were reassured to see comments made in previous committee meetings being reflected in the scenario planning.

Members also sought assurances around ensuring an adequate level of safety for passengers and staff, regardless of the scenario. BTP confirmed confidence in the current and future policing model, and that officer training would continue to be prioritised.