Transport police get tough on rail rage (From Somerset County Gazette)

Transport police get tough on rail rage

10:41am Thursday 31st May 2007 in News By Phil Hill

BRITISH Transport Police have warned of tough action as part of a clampdown to stamp out assaults and intimidation on rail staff in the South-West.

A regional campaign starts tomorrow (Friday) to raise awareness of the real effects and sometimes traumatic consequences of workplace violence experienced by rail staff.

British Transport Police Chief Inspector Kevin Marshall, Bristol and South-West Sector Commander, said: "Tackling workplace violence for rail staff is of the utmost importance for BTP and we want people to be very clear that violent intimidation in any form, be it verbal or physical, towards staff or passengers will not be tolerated.

"All staff are equipped and fully trained to use tools such as DNA swab kits which assist us in identifying offenders and are encouraged to call BTP immediately to report incidents if they are in a position where they feel threatened.

"Those who assault staff will be arrested and prosecuted and may be banned from using rail services."

He said staff should not have to put up with even low-level abuse.

Ch Insp Marshall added: "They should be able to do their jobs without fear of intimidation or attack.

"The aim of this initiative is to put measures in place to improve their working environment and consequently the travelling environment for passengers using the railways."