Merger of British Transport Police Scottish division with Police Scotland
A Westminster Hall debate on the Merger of British Transport Police Scottish division with Police Scotland is scheduled for Tuesday 6 March 2018 at 9.30am. The Member leading the debate is Douglas Ross MP.
Summary
Following the devolution of transport policing as part of the Scotland Act 2016, the Scottish Government is pursuing proposals to incorporate British Transport Police’s Scottish function into Police Scotland. The Scottish Parliament passed the Railway Policing Scotland Act 2017 which removes British Transport Police (BTP) functions in Scotland, and deals with contractual arrangements between a railway operator and the Scottish Police Authority. It also gives Police Scotland constables powers of entry in relation to specified railway property.
The two Governments were working to a target date of April 2019 to complete the transfer of responsibilities. However, on 20 February 2018, the Scottish Government announced that the Joint Programming Board overseeing the integration had agreed to a longer timetable to allow for "enhanced engagement with officers, staff and their representatives on key issues, including pay and conditions".