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Drone in a Box
As I’ve said before on this blog, history doesn’t have to be old. We’re creating new history every day. Of historical significance is the first use of remotely controlled drones to assist with trespassing and other lineside incidents.
From the BTP website:
BTP has launched its ground-breaking new remote ‘drone in a box’ capability, becoming the first police force to operationalise this advanced drone technology to better keep the public safe and reduce disruption.
The new capability will enhance our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to incidents on the railway network, helping to improve safety, reduce disruption, and support frontline operations as they happen.
The drones will be based at key locations across the network where we know there are spikes in trespass and other disruption incidents, and flown remotely from our control room in London – allowing us to respond to incidents quicker, make more informed decisions, and also free up BTP officers to respond to other offences.
The majority of typical drone operations are conducted within the Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) of the pilot, which is around 500 meters for a small drone. However, the police are able to operate beyond this distance (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) using State Aircraft legislation.
BTP are the first force to obtain legal advice and use Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) routinely and regularly in support of policing, rather than just for emergencies.
As well as the relevant legal advice, our dedicated team have carried out significant work behind the scenes to ensure they are operating under a robust framework in which to fly safely.
Last week (24 April) we hosted a launch event at one of the pilot sites in Leeds which involved a live demonstration of the drone capability for our industry partners including Network Rail, Department for Transport, NPCC Drones, West Yorkshire Police, Northern Rail, and the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA).
Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi said: “Our new ‘drone in a box’ capability is going to be transformational to our ability to reduce disruption across the rail network.
“This is ground-breaking technology which will allow us to respond to trespass incidents quickly, saving the industry money, improving safety, and keeping the railway moving for passengers.
“It is a fantastic example of the advances we are making at BTP to shape the future of policing, and I’m excited to work with rail industry partners to expand this across the railway as we work together to keep the public safe and reduce disruption.”
Also see: Old and New
Source:
BTP become first police force to launch remote ‘drone in a box’ capability.
The Cutting Room
A New Crime Fiction Book
BTPHG member and retired BTP Officer Gary Powell has added a second BTP related tale for his fictional detective DI Ryan McNally.
DI McNally and DS Marcia Frost first appeared in Mind the Killer.
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DI Ryan McNally stands in the dock at Southwark Crown Court accused of a vicious assault; he awaits the jury’s verdict. A guilty decision would be career-ending and might send him to prison.
The British Transport Police’s Major Investigations Team are called in to investigate the discovery of human remains deposited in a left luggage facility at Liverpool Street Station and on the backseat of a London black cab at Victoria’s busy bus terminal.
The team’s priority is the identification of the victim. Their only clues are a wedding band and a tattoo. McNally’s detectives have proven they can work under the most stressful of circumstances in Britain’s most unique policing environment; but with ever-growing tensions between some of its members reaching boiling point they need to come together quickly to meet their toughest challenge yet.
The Cutting Room offers a fast-paced relentless narrative taking the reader on a very dark journey of shocking twists and turns with very little light at the end of the tunnel.
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Gary is a member of the Crime Writers Association.
The book is published on 28th April 2025 and will be widely available through all the usual channels – Amazon, WH Smith, Waterstones etc., or direct from the publisher.
An eBook version is available through Amazon.
Gary has previously written four true crime non-fiction books.
A Brighton story
In another of his well researched articles, BTPHG member and historian Kevin Gordon looks at an investigation from the 1950s, when the railway police unearthed a case of corruption.
From our HistoryBank – Research section:
Brighton’s Bent Cops
For other well researched articles have a look at HistoryBank.
For more from Kevin go to Quirky Sussex History
New Year Honours 2025
Congratulations to PC Benjamin Hawkins on the award of the British Empire Medal (B.E.M.).
Ben has been recognised for his outstanding service to Emergency Care, Staff Wellbeing, and Mental Health. He currently volunteers as a Community First Responder with East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust.
His volunteering work inspired him to campaign for improved mental health support within the emergency services.
Prior to joining BTP in 2024, Ben worked as a Call Handler and Dispatch Team Leader with the Ambulance Service.
More details here: Peterborough Telegraph and here BBC News.
The Honours page has been updated.
Merry Christmas
A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all at the BTPHG!
Railway 200
2025 sees the 200th anniversary of train travel since 1825. On the 27, September 1825 the Stockton and Darlington railway ran a steam train carrying members of the public for the first time. A few months later on the 30, June 1826 came the first recorded mention of a police establishment of one Superintendent, four officers and a number of Constable or ‘Gatekeepers’. One of the Constables was PC Metcalfe and a crude oil painting of him in his red tunic and been seen at the National Railway Museum in York. Joseph Sedgwick was the earliest known name of a railway policeman who served at Stockton in 1825, 200 years ago next year.
On 19 September 2024 Railway 200 festival was launched in Darlington. This is a national event throughout the United Kingdom. It will officially. commence on 1 January 2025. One of the highlights will include an exhibition train which will tour Britain calling at various stations and depots.
Further details can be found on the website: Railway 200
and within the various railway magazines on sale.
Additional post: Whistle-Up for New Year’s Day
LMS Police Carlisle 1931
In another of our occasional ‘The Story Behind the Picture’ series, the purchase of a postcard from the 1930s leads to a connection to a serving BTP officer.
Go to LMS Police Carlisle 1931
For other well researched articles have a look at HistoryBank.
Lest We Forget
As we approach Remembrance Day it is time again to reflect on those RDC officers who were killed during the conflicts, either overseas or on duty.
A reminder that we have the Roll of Honour pages detailing those officers.
The 2024 Poppy Appeal for the Royal British Legion is well underway. There are volunteer collectors out on the streets and stations. You can also donate online.
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Retired Police Dogs Teddy & Robbie wearing poppies for remembrance of our armed forces & service animals both past and present. Especially those who lost their lives in service.
Photo from the Railway Dogs Benevolent Fund
Purple poppies available from Murphy’s Army Purple Poppy Campaign
National Police Remembrance Day
Today we remember those who made sacrifices in the line of duty.
For more see the Police Remembrance Trust
LG25
The Ladbroke Grove Train Crash Commemorative Events
This year sees the 25th Anniversary of the Ladbroke Grove Train Crash. The commemorative events are being co-ordinated by the BTP History Group Chair, Tony Thompson.
Details below:
(click on poster to enlarge)
See also the Clapham Junction Memorial