Officer roles

You're most likely to see our police constables, police community support officers and special constables while you're travelling. Read more about their roles below.

Police constables (PCs)

PCs are easily identifiable by their distinctive black uniforms and yellow hi-vis vests. These are the officers you’re most likely to see at stations and on trains, providing routine patrols and operating special activities to help keep the railways safe.

Special constables

Special constables are members of the public who volunteer to work as PCs in their free time. They receive no pay, but claim expenses, and have the same powers as regular officers whilst on duty.

Special constables are trained in the use of, and issued with, the same uniform and equipment as regular officers. They are an integral part of our force and help us to keep the railways safe and secure.

Police community support officers (PCSOs)

PCSOs are members of police staff who patrol the railway alongside our police officers.

Just like all of our officers, our PCSOs have specific powers under railway byelaws.

Our PCSOs also have the power to deal with issues that do not always require the presence of a police officer, such as confiscating alcohol or tobacco from young people, enforcing cordon areas and detaining or ejecting suspects in certain situations.

Railway Safety Accreditation Scheme (RSAS)

Train companies also employ dedicated staff who are granted limited powers under our Railway Safety Accreditation Scheme (RSAS). They work closely with our officers, helping to share information and can deal with certain incidents without needing to involve a police officer.

These staff go under various names depending on the train company — for example, they are sometimes called rail enforcement officers or rail neighbourhood officers.

 

We understand there may be times when you want to verify the identity of a BTP officer. Find out more about how to do this HERE