THE police force that patrols Britain's rail network could be split up and its officers in Scotland brought under the control of the country's proposed single force.
The Herald has learned ministers are looking to absorb the Scottish officers from the UK-wide British Transport Police (BTP) into the forthcoming single police force north of the Border.
The officers are currently part of a UK force funded predominantly by rail firms. However, Kenny MacAskill, the Scottish Justice Secretary, has written to Phil Hammond, the UK Transport Secretary, in a bid to explore the potential of bringing BTP Scotland into the single police force proposed for Scotland.
There is thought to be growing support from Scottish BTP officers for the move, because of more favourable conditions for police north of the Border.
English and Welsh forces face fierce cuts in officer numbers and a reduction in overtime, benefits and special priority payments following the Home Office-commissioned Winsor Review. Mr MacAskill has made clear Winsor will not apply in Scotland.
Nationalist MSP John Finnie said: “I have written to Kenny MacAskill to ask him about BTP. They are part of the Scottish police family.
“We have asked whether or not this is a good time to consider their total absorption into Scottish police.
“There is an argument to say that this would be far more practical. It seems crazy to have two officers at Waverley Station wearing separate uniforms and with different bosses.
“Considering the rationalisation of forces proposed south of the Border, surely they wouldn’t oppose this?
“Given the Cabinet Secretary said we will not impose the Winsor conditions being visited upon English and Welsh police colleagues, there will be some real enthusiasm for BTP officers to benefit from a more positive approach in terms of police numbers, pay and conditions.
“It is my understanding such a proposal would be viewed favourably by officers at various levels.”
Officers within BTP Scotland are believed to be interested in the proposal and The Herald understands senior staff are not against the idea.
However, David McCall, Assistant Chief Constable for British Transport Police in Scotland, said: “The Sustainable Policing Project team did not consider the policing of Scotland’s railways, or consult with BTP, during their review.
“I also understand that significant legislative change would be required, at Westminster, if the Scotland area of BTP was to be involved in the new arrangements.
“As there is little likelihood of these changes taking place in time for 2013/2014, the question of BTP being incorporated in the single Scottish police force, at this time, is academic.
“Several reviews have confirmed BTP provides a seamless policing service across the whole of the country, not just Scotland, and the best way of policing Scotland’s railways is best achieved by a single, specialist force.
“If I can be convinced, by any subsequent review, that there is a better way of policing Scotland’s railways then I would be supportive of such a move.
“In the meantime, I am of the view the present arrangements deliver the highest quality of service to the people of Scotland and our rail industry partners.”
A spokeswoman for the Scotland Office said: “The letter has been received. It has been passed on to the Secretary of State for Scotland who is considering it and will respond in due course.”
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