British Transport Police is recording an outstanding 97.9 percent of crimes committed across the network, the police inspectorates have said. An inspection of the service provided to victims of crime by the British Transport Police
This compares to a national accuracy of around 90 per cent of crime recorded for all police forces in England and Wales. Accurate crime recording helps forces prioritize investigations by using suitably skilled staff to give victims the service they deserve. It also helps forces to manage their resources and plan effectively for the future.
British Transport Police’s investigations
The joint inspection found that the British Transport Police’s studies are effective and generally progressed
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), with assistance from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary Scotland (HMICS), examined the British Transport Police’s performance. They found that the force was particularly strong in its recording of sexual offenses, with a rate of 99 percent being attained.
The joint inspection found that British Transport Police’s investigations are effective and generally progressed in a proportionate and timely manner, and that a high proportion of crime is followed up for further investigation and properly allocated to appropriately trained officers.
Number of opportunities
However, the inspectorates also found a number of opportunities for improving the service the British Transport Police provides to victims of crime. For example:
- the force needs to get better at identifying repeat victims and vulnerability;
- the backlog in online reports of crime needs to be reduced;
- crime arising from reports of anti-social behavior and for vulnerable victims needs to be correctly recorded; and
- victims need to be informed when a decision is taken not to investigate their crime further.
Implementing the recommendations
Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Matt Parr said: “British Transport Police can rightly be proud of the good service it provides to victims of crime. In some areas, such as the recording of crime, it is very good indeed. However, there is an opportunity to build on its successes."
“The force offers a variety of ways for the public to contact it. This includes the use of online crime reporting, texts, emails, and social media. Call handling standards are high, and resources are generally used correctly and promptly."
“Further enhancement to the good service already provided by British Transport Police can be achieved by implementing our recommendations. We expect the force will waste no time in progressing these.”
