Hannah Lindsay

Said the following about Operation Safeguard Reaction Teams:

“Operation Safeguard saw the formation of 2 new deployment Teams known as “Reaction”, which have been designed to support the REO Team to combat Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB), Workplace Violence (WV) and fare evasion across the entire network. These "Reaction" Teams are made up of TSOs, Onboard Supervisors (OBS)/Conductors/Passenger Hosts (PH) and assisted by BTP where possible but led by REOs based on intelligence provided to them by the new control room named ‘The Safeguard Coordination Desk’ (SC Desk).

The Southern/Gatwick Express (SN/GX) Reaction Team was led by Hannah Lindsay and supported by Alex Powell who had an independent roster from the rest of the department. The reason behind this was to change deployment and shifts with minimal notice in response to the changing demands being currently faced.

Hannah Lindsay SN/GX Reaction Lead said ‘This initiative comes at a time where there is a lot of uncertainty across the network, the pandemic affecting passenger numbers and the unknown of what the future holds for the railway, it has been a fantastic constant to show solidarity with our colleagues on the front line pushing for a ‘We Are With You’ approach. Our main aim was and is to show our colleagues they are being listened too and their safety is what is key as well as reducing ASB and Assaults across the network.’

The Great Northern/Thameslink (GN/TL) Reaction Team was led by James Edwards supported by the GN and TL REOs to combat the growing problems North of the river.

James Edwards TL Rail Enforcement Team Leader said ‘Having the extra officers have allowed us to cover and support a larger area than we normally could. It has also allowed us to be more dynamic and flexible in supporting the revenue teams when lockdown came to an end and the passengers returning.’

Operation Safeguard has enabled a 22.4% reduction in reported ASB during the first 12 weeks of the project (down from a significant 66.2% increase)

To further highlight this achievement, this 22.4% reduction in ASB comes despite a 17% increase in reports compared to the same pre-pandemic period in 2019/20, indicating that the teams prompt and effective deployment of on the network has contributed to a significant deterrent effect. This activity has been an invaluable benefit for BTP, as the additional uniformed patrols on the network and the intervention in 3475 incidents has allowed our BTP colleagues to be freed from numerous additional calls to service with resources which are already stretched thin.

Tom Coles Blackfriars Passenger Hosts said ‘I found working on the Reaction Team fantastic as it gave a one team approach and cross working in dealing with issues on train and at stations. It allowed us to be able to identify more people that we wouldn't been able to deal with before due to ticket checks. It has also given me the experience in identifying people that may be of a concern for welfare that I wouldn't have done before because I wasn't necessarily looking out for that. It has also given me the confidence to report more, knowing it will be investigated.’

The teams have also came together to support at Gatwick Airport Station where we had seen an increase in reports from staff regarding the use of short stop tickets being used mainly by the G4S Security Officers who work at the Covid-19 Quarantine Hotels for Passengers who have returned from RED ZONED countries. This then has cascaded onto the network affecting both the GN/TL lines of route and the SN/GX lines of route where these individuals travel further than their tickets permit them too and in turn become abusive to members of staff onboard our services and at the gate line of their intended destination.

The aim of this operation was to deal with those travelling and attempting to travel without valid tickets/oysters, gather intelligence and factual evidence on those carrying out ASB and abusive behaviour, be this by body camera footage and/or statements from officers. Those that travelled without tickets/permission and those committing ASB were the focus of this operation, alongside identifying these persons of interest to assist with prosecutions. This resulted in over 131 enforcement sanctions issued over the 4 day operation consisting of 12 hours in total, the operation was assisted by Gatwick Station Managers, BTP, Sussex Police and Fraud Officers who interviewed a number of the G4S Security for years’ worth of fraudulent travel on the network.

The team were also able to identify security officers working fraudulently under another person’s SIA badge and were reported by BTP for investigation.

Clayton Kennedy Thameslink Passenger Host said ‘This has been a great example of teamwork and shows when you put a group of people together with the same mindset what can be achieved! I am looking forward in planning more successful OPs together in the future.’

Over the last 6 months the teams have responded to increasing reports of ASB and Ticketless Travel at numerous locations across the network. These locations include East Croydon, Brighton, Sutton, Peckham Rye, Lewes, Worthing, Tulse Hill, Redhill, Bognor Regis, Littlehampton, Barnham and Eastbourne along the SN/GX Line of route.

The GN/TL Reaction Team have assisted in conducting operations with the Passenger Hosts at stations with multiple exit points, the increased numbers allow for an affective operation with the Passenger Hosts and added support from the Travel Safe Officers which previously was not available due to reduced numbers of staff through the pandemic.

The GN/TL Reaction team were tasked to London St Pancras due to an increase in sexual offences taking place in the London core area, as a result of this, two males that had committed sexual offences on our services were stopped by REOs and TSOs on duty and subsequently arrested by BTP following the actions of the teams' proactive patrols. This insured that the males were detained, the victims shown the care needed and a prompt and effective investigation could take place. This increased in high visibility has assisted BTP with their campaign to raise awareness of sexual harassment and offences to show our passengers that their safety is our top priority and encourages those who may have stopped using our services to return.

On 17th March 2022 TSOs were actively patrolling alongside our onboard supervisors when they were approached by a female in distress. The female felt comfortable to approach the officers and explained there was a male onboard exposing himself. TSOs managed to locate this male, support the victim and coordinated BTPs arrival at East Croydon resulting in the male being arrested and the female being given the support and care she needs. The female was extremely grateful for the support she was given and noted that the increase in uniform on our services made her feel safe to report the incident.

At a ceremony held at the BTP headquarters in Camden, the SN/GX Rail Enforcement Team won the headlining 'Team of the Year' accolade - with T/LGN's team as runners up - and individuals from both TOCs winning the coveted first and second prize for their contributions to Operation Safeguard and safety.

Wayne Harris SN/GX Rail Enforcement Manager said "Not only did we win the highly acclaimed Team of the Year award, REO Hannah also won the Member of the Year award for her magnificent contribution to the Team, RSAS Scheme and Operation Safeguard! In addition, REO Alex also won a special contribution award for his extraordinary lifesaving intervention at Oxted, where he saved the life of a male who had been stabbed in the neck. These achievements have filled me with pride. As GTR as a whole - we continuously set the example for the rest of the industry to follow."

Andy Leister, SN Head of On Board, said: "It is fantastic to see the REO team recognised for their individual and team efforts over the past year. It has been an incredibly challenging time for everyone, and the REOs have done an excellent job of supporting our colleagues and helping to keep our customers safe, while constantly exploring new and innovative ways of working, to be as effective as possible. I am extremely proud of them all, and specially of Hannah and Alex for their individual contributions."

Adam Dear GN/TL Rail Enforcement Manger said: "Congratulations to all the winners and runners up. It has been an extremely busy year throughout the pandemic, no job is too big or small and their commitment in keeping the railway a safe place is second to none. Like our colleagues on Southern we have been dealing with many of the same challenges and I could not be prouder of the team. Also, a special mention to REO Iain Perry for the work he has undertaken on the 'Fen Line' building up relationship's and dealing with the issues on that part of the route. Well done Iain and the team! GTR swept the awards, and this just goes to show that we have the best RSAS teams in the country."“