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A new film from the British Transport Police Federation is highlighting the human impact of policing Britain’s rail network, from dealing with vulnerable people and violent passengers to responding to fatalities.
Non-Stop follows a British Transport Police (BTP) officer through a shift, showing the range and unpredictability of incidents officers can face across the railway.
BTP officers police more than 10,000 miles of track and more than 3,000 stations across England, Scotland and Wales. The film depicts officers dealing with missing children, people in crisis and violent passengers, as well as the aftermath of fatalities on the railway.
Stuart Cowan, Chair of the BTP Federation, said the film was intended to give a clearer picture of the demands placed on officers.
“This campaign is about recognising the extraordinary breadth of what my colleagues are asked to deal with. They bring professionalism and humanity to a role that so often takes a huge physical and emotional toll. This story will resonate with the officers we represent, because they have all lived a version of it.
“BTP officers work across a vast, complex and constantly moving environment. They deal with everything from public safety and vulnerability to violence, sexual offences and the distressing consequences of fatalities on the railway. Non-Stop captures the unpredictability of a shift and the pace officers are working at.”
The film also looks at what happens after an incident, with the Federation highlighting the potential impact of repeated exposure to violence, abuse and traumatic events. It is being used as part of the Federation’s call for improvements to working conditions, support and pay for frontline BTP officers.
Cowan said the Federation was concerned about the effect of increasing demand on officers and the ability to retain experienced staff.
“Demand continues to rise, morale continues to fall and colleagues are burning out. We’re seeing colleagues leave the force, with some walking away from policing entirely.
“If we want officers to still be doing this job in ten years’ time – experienced, fit and well, and proud to wear the uniform – things have to change. Policing carries a level of risk that most professions simply don’t. An officer who deals with violence, trauma and danger as a routine part of their working day should have that reflected in how they are paid and protected.”
The Federation said Non-Stop is intended to encourage greater recognition from government and the public of the role BTP officers play across the rail network. Cowan added that officers would continue to support passengers and the wider public whatever they encountered during a shift.
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