DCC Alistair Sutherland to retire in 2025

After thirty-nine years in policing, Alistair Sutherland has taken the decision to retire as Deputy Chief Constable of British Transport Police (BTP) in April 2025.

Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi said: “Alistair became BTP’s Deputy Chief Constable in 2021, joining us from the City of London Police following a long and successful policing career, largely with the Metropolitan Police. Since then, Alistair has done a fantastic job across a wide portfolio including overseeing the implementation of the Manchester Arena Inquiry recommendations and the subsequent Counter Terrorism Review. He has been determined to ensure we retained our reputation as a Force with high professional standards that strives to be a learning and reflective organisation. He’s undoubtedly radically reshaped how we run our transformation and change programmes and ensured the strongest of governance over multi-million-pound projects and investments.

“Alistair is proud of the relationships he has developed with colleagues across the force including our staff associations, and the strong connections and relationships he has built with our partners in the rail industry.  Alistair and I have known each other for many years, not just as colleagues but as trusted friends. His unwavering professionalism, candidness, and steadfast commitment to doing what is right has continually inspired and reassured me. Our spirited debates have been a highlight of our time together, and working alongside him on numerous operations has been both a pleasure and a privilege. As my Deputy, Alistair has been a pillar of support. While I will miss working alongside him I wish him every success in his future endeavours. Without a doubt, the public has been safer with Alistair in policing. He should take immense pride in the legacy he leaves behind, a legacy of integrity, dedication, and impact.”

DCC Sutherland said: "I have hugely valued my time working alongside you all in the rail industry, across England, Scotland and Wales. It has been fantastic to work within a specialist policing service which supports the railway family.  It’s been an honour to work here for some key historical milestones such as operation London Bridge and the King’s Coronation and seeing how we all worked together to do the country, and the Railway, proud. I’ll be sad to leave BTP and the great relationships I’ve made here. I know many challenges remain but BTP and colleagues across the industry will no doubt rise to those challenges and continue to keep our railway staff and community safe and tackle the causes of disruption and delay as we move forwards.”

Please join us in wishing Alistair all the best in his next chapter and thanking him for his time at BTP.