BTP’s new Deputy Chief Constable joins front line officers in first week

British Transport Police’s new Deputy Chief Constable, Alistair Sutherland QPM, has been on the move with front line officers in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and London to experience first-hand how BTP protects the public and keeps the railway network safe.

Deputy Chief Constable Sutherland began his week in Glasgow on Monday 8 November, joining officers offering mutual aid at Global Climate Change Conference Cop26. Here he felt the strong sense of joint endeavour between BTP officers from across the UK working with Police Scotland for one of the largest operations in UK policing history, and was impressed with the hugely positive attitude of staff.

He then travelled to the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan to meet with Police Scotland’s Deputy Chief Constable, Will Kerr, to discuss the joint working in place between the two forces and opportunities to further strengthen the partnership to protect the public, before heading down to Wembley Park on Friday to meet the team.

Speaking on his first week at BTP, Deputy Chief Constable Alistair Sutherland said: “I am delighted to have started in my new role as Deputy Chief Constable of British Transport Police. It has been a privilege to witness the outstanding work of officers and staff across the UK, particularly having the unique opportunity to meet enthusiastic and dedicated mutual aid officers in Glasgow during Cop26 where there was such a strong sense of team work.

“Looking ahead, I’m excited to be able to meet and learn from many more colleagues across England, Scotland and Wales and work with partners to enhance the already highly regarded reputation of BTP as national leaders in policing.”

Deputy Chief Constable Sutherland brings a wealth of experience to the Force, having served in the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police, holding the national policing portfolios for Counter Terrorism Command and Control, Business Crime and Rail & Community Safety Accreditation Schemes.