Date: 21/12/2016

MSPs want to hear what people think about plans to merge the British Transport Police (BTP) north of the border with Police Scotland. Members of the Holyrood's justice committee are scrutinising the Railway Police (Scotland) Bill following concerns about the proposed change. They have already heard from police bosses who said a merger would be 'complicated but not insurmountable'. It has been a long held aim of the government to see through the change. The legislation would give power over railway policing to Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) watchdog. Want to comment? Send an email to justicecommittee@parliament.scot by Tuesday, 31 January British Transport Police's deputy chief constable, Adrian Hancock, told the justice committee last month that the plans could create an unnecessary 'border' for officers. MSPs also heard concerns that officers would leave due to uncertainty over terms and conditions and pensions.

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Call for views over police merger plan

BBC News

MSPs are keen to hear what people think about plans to merge the British Transport Police (BTP) north of the border with Police Scotland.

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