Andrew Trotter new chief constable at BTP

Andrew Trotter has been announced as the next chief constable of British Transport Police (BTP).

He will take over from Ian Johnston in the summer. Until then he will continue his role as deputy chief constable, which he has held for over five years.

British Transport Police Authority (BTPA) chair Millie Banerjee said she is confident Mr Trotter will build on the progress BTP has made in the last eight years.

“The next chief constable faces the challenging agenda of a difficult financial climate and increasing demands on the force. I am confident that Andy will deliver,” she said.

“The police authority is looking forward to working with Andy as we take British Transport Police into the next decade.”

Mr Johnston said: “I am absolutely delighted that the police authority has been able to select Andy Trotter as the next chief constable of BTP. Andy has a vast experience of policing and in his new elevated role will bring fresh ways of continuing to improve the service the force provides. He has shown outstanding leadership as my deputy, and I know will be a first class chief constable.”

In his new role Mr Trotter will take command of over 4,000 police officers and staff across the country. Mr Trotter said he was honoured by the appointment and paid tribute to the outgoing chief constable.

“I am extremely honoured to have been appointed chief constable of British Transport Police. There have been huge improvements made to the force under the leadership of Ian Johnston over the last few years, which have ensured that the benefits of a dedicated force for Britain’s railways is experienced by both passengers and staff,” he said.

“The dedication and hard work of BTP officers and staff in delivering a safe and secure railway is first class and I am proud to have been given the responsibility to lead them.”

Mr Trotter first joined the police service in 1970 when he served as an officer for the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS). He transferred to Kent Police, rising to the rank of chief inspector, specialising in operational and public order policing, before returning to the MPS as a superintendent in 1992.

In 1995 he was selected for the Senior Command Course and was subsequently appointed commander of operations for South East London. He was then appointed deputy assistant commissioner (crime) two years later, taking on responsibility for murder investigations and crime matters in South East and Central London.

In January 2004, Mr Trotter was appointed deputy chief constable of the BTP and has presided over a steep change in performance, leading to BTP achieving all operational policing plan targets for the last three years.

He has been awarded an OBE, QPM and also holds a BSc (Hons) degree from the London School of Economics.