British Transport Police has introduced a new operating model for its Neighbourhood Policing Team in the East Midlands.
As well as patrolling railway stations across the East Midlands, the Neighbourhood Policing Team will spend some of their time working with local partners and communities to tackle those crimes and incidents that have the greatest effect on those who travel on or use the railway network.
Other train operators are also introducing initiatives to tackle crimes and incidents on the railway, with the Tyne and Wear Metro using extra police to deal with anti-social behaviour, whilst train operator c2c has introduced a special smartphone app by which customers can report anything of concern.
Inspector Ellis Turner said: “The introduction of the reformed East Midlands Neighbourhood Team gives local people the opportunity to tell us what issues we should be concentrating on.
“We will focus on problems relating to crime, targeting criminal activity, and build on the existing trust and confidence with rail users, staff and officers.
“We aim to create a two-way conversation between the public and ourselves in order to tackle the crimes that affect people most.
“And it's vital that the community and rail users help us to keep them safe by reporting any crime or concerns through our text service 61016, via our Railway Guardian app or by calling us on 0800 40 50 40.”
But what happens if – and a big IF – the criminals are taken to court? Will they get punishment which fits the crime, or will they get the usual ‘slapped wrist, and don’t be naughty in future’ sentence from magistrates?
If the latter, the cops might as well not bother.