Cambridgeshire Police Federation has committed its support to a new movement underlining the demands and pressures placed on British Transport Police (BTP) officers.
The Non-Stop campaign has recently been launched by BTP Federation to highlight the realities of policing the country’s rail network.
The campaign calls on the Government and the public to recognise the risks and responsibilities carried by BTP officers and the wider policing workforce.
As part of the campaign, BTP Federation has commissioned a powerful short film which follows an officer through a shift on the rail network and uncovers everything they are tasked with on a typical day beyond simply patrolling a platform.
Content shows the officer dealing with violence, public order incidents, mental health crises, missing children and general disrespect from the public, among other testing and traumatic duties.
Branch chair Stu Taylor has given his backing to Non-Stop, saying: “As a proud representative of our members who continue to give everything to policing and public safety, I stand in solidarity with our colleagues in the BTP who deserve better.
“While they may work in a different environment, their concerns are shared by officers across the country who also feel their selfless work is not valued in the way it should be.
“Demands in policing are only matched in relentlessness by the sacrifices these individuals make every day. Without that, the safety of our communities and the public would be impossible to maintain.
“However, there is a cost to this incredible level of service, and that usually comes in the form of officer morale and wellbeing.”
BTP Federation says that the Non-Stop campaign also reminds viewers that what an officer encounters does not end when their shift comes to a close.
Instead, they argued that their mental health can often worsen once they clock off, when they are forced to process what they have dealt with on the frontline – with repeated exposure increasing the threat of lasting psychological damage.
There are over 10,000 miles of track and more than 3,000 stations covered by BTP officers across England, Scotland and Wales.
Stuart Cowan, chair of BTP Federation, said: “This campaign is about recognising the extraordinary breadth of what my colleagues are asked to deal with.
“They bring professionalism and humanity to a role that so often takes a huge physical and emotional toll.
“This story will resonate with the officers we represent, because they have all lived a version of it.
“Demand continues to rise, morale continues to fall, and colleagues are burning out. We’re seeing colleagues leave the force, with some walking away from policing entirely.
“If we want officers to still be doing this job in ten years’ time – experienced, fit and well, and proud to wear the uniform – things have to change.”
You can watch the Non-Stop campaign film on the BTP Federation website.