Bob Crow writes:
"Among the issues highlighted was a lack of visibility of BTP officers when our members are being assaulted or abused on stations, members being arrested when they themselves had come under attack and in our members feeling intimidated and harassed by BTP officers over small and trivial matters.

I received a response in which Chief Superintendent of Operations Miles Flood saying that they take assaults and verbal abuse of our members “very seriously” and that they have been working in partnership with the industry and staff members to tackle the issue.

Further, officer Flood points to the increase from 40% to 46% in detecting assaults on staff and that officers are encouraged to take a positive approach to persons assaulting staff or abusing staff, in which new powers of arrest have assisted them.

A subsequent meeting was held between the union and senior BTP officers at which our concerns were further highlighted and a further more formal meeting is currently being arranged.

I will of course continue to keep you informed of all developments in this matter and rest assured that your union will continue to make our feelings known on this issue and defend our members when they are victims of abusive and violent incidents."

Yours sincerely
Bob Crow, General Secretary