BTP announces new Deputy Chief Constable

The British Transport Police Authority (BTPA) today announced that Alistair Sutherland QPM has been appointed as Deputy Chief Constable of the British Transport Police (BTP).  He will join BTP in Autumn 2021.

Alistair is currently the Assistant Commissioner for City of London Police. BTP’s current Deputy Chief Constable Adrian Hanstock QPM is set to retire in October 2021 after 37 years of exemplary service to UK policing, the last seven of which have been with the Force.

Alistair joined the Metropolitan Police Service in 1986. He has worked across numerous London boroughs including Lambeth, Hounslow and Kensington and has expertise in policing major public order events and police firearms operations, security and response. He was promoted to Commander in July 2014 following successful completion of the Strategic Command Course, and took on the role of Commander for Royalty, Diplomatic and Specialist Protection. During this time, he led on the amalgamation of the Protection commands resulting in the introduction of Royalty and Specialist Protection and Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection commands.

Alistair joined City of London Police in 2016 and currently holds the National policing portfolios for Business Crime, Community Safety Accreditation Scheme, Private Security Industry and Project Servator. He is the national lead for Counter Terrorism Command and Control and is also a Course Director of the Counter Terrorism Commander’s Course.

Alistair says: “I feel absolutely delighted and privileged to be joining BTP as Deputy Chief Constable at what is a really exciting time for the Force. I very much look forward to working with the Chief Constable and all BTP colleagues nationally to deliver the best possible service to all our communities across the rail network and keep them safe. BTP are, quite rightly, highly regarded as a Force and are recognised as national and world leaders in their field of Policing. I am committed to enhancing that well-deserved reputation through working closely with colleagues and our partners to deliver all of the ambitions described in our Policing Plan.”

BTPA Chair, Ron Barclay-Smith, says: “Alistair’s considerable expertise and wide-ranging experience across all levels of policing will serve him well at a time when BTP is facing multiple challenges amid a complex operating environment. We welcome him on board and believe that his leadership, insight and acumen will complement that of the Chief Constable, driving BTP forward to achieve an even greater level of excellence.”

BTP Chief Constable, Lucy D’Orsi, says: “I am delighted that the Police Authority have appointed Alistair to be the Deputy Chief Constable of BTP. Alistair is an exceptionally experienced senior police leader who cares passionately about delivering a high quality service to the public and supporting his colleagues. I am certain that his dedication and extensive experience in both operational and organisational leadership will bring great value to the Force.

I know Alistair is keen to build on the legacy that Adrian Hanstock leaves. We owe Adrian a deep gratitude for his exceptional leadership and commitment to public service and I am personally grateful for his support and wisdom since I have been Chief Constable.

BTP is a truly outstanding national police force with many exciting challenges and opportunities ahead of us. I look forward to working with Alistair.”

Alistair was chosen following an interview and assessment process led by BTPA, the oversight body for the BTP. The appointment was approved by the Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps MP and endorsed by Scottish Justice Minister Keith Brown MSP.