‘We cannot withstand repeated harm without support, resources and funding’, BTP Federation chair warns

In his conference address, Stuart Cowan said the calling to be a police officer isn’t about personal gain: “It’s about protecting the vulnerable, upholding the law and seeing bad people brought to justice.”

“But no calling, however noble, can withstand repeated harm without support, resources and funding,” he warned.

“Passion alone is not a protective shield.”

Mr Cowan said last year, 684 British Transport Police officers were assaulted – getting on for two officers every day.

“We might have experienced slightly fewer assaults than in the previous years, but still far too many,” he said.

“Officers have been spat at, punched and kicked, and worse. They have been left with broken bones and permanent scars. For some, life changed in a second.

“Our job is to protect the public. It is the job of British Transport Police, the Police Authority and the Government to protect us in return.”

Mr Cowan also highlighted the “relentless workload” and the constant exposure to trauma.

“We know that rates of PTSD, anxiety and depression among officers are higher than in most other professions,” he said. “And yet, the stigma remains. Members tell us they feel the pressure to ‘get on with it’, and we know some think twice before asking for help.”

Mr Cowan said last year in British Transport Police, 243 officers had instances of sick leave for stress, depression, anxiety or PTSD. That’s up from 212 officers in the previous year.

“We accept risk, of course we do. It comes with the job. But accepting risk is not the same as accepting neglect,” said Mr Cowan.

The conference also hosted the annual BTP Federation Awards of Excellence.

Mr Cowan, said: “The awards honour the brave and dedicated members of the BTP Federation. Nominated by colleagues, the awards champion the great work that on many occasions goes unnoticed by the public.

“Many of the nominees say, ‘I was just doing my job’, but it’s easy to lose sight of what an extraordinary job it is, and the difference quick-thinking, dedication, and tireless work make.”

Pictured from left to right: Simon Powell, from Headline Sponsor Ardonagh Group; Inspector Paul Hevey; PC Kevin Rankin; PC Lewis Roberts; PC Leanne Nevin; Danielle Stephenson (NHS nurse); Stuart Cowan, Federation Chair; Special Constable Gary Blackburn; PCSO Andrew Noble; PC Sam Whitfield; DI Matt Davies; DC Robert Mercer; PC Adam Bebbington; Danielle Povey, Award sponsor JMW Solicitors

The following officers and staff received Awards of Excellence:

Detective Investigation of the Year – Detective Inspector Matt Davies, Detective Constable Robert Mercer and PC Sam Whitfield

The officers were honoured for their work on a complex and wide-ranging investigation that not only secured successful prosecutions but will have long-lasting benefits to enhance all forces’ ability to catch those orchestrating County Lines and prosecute them under the Modern Slavery Act (2015).

What started as a simple health check on a 15-year-old young person at London Bridge station resulted in the successful prosecution of a man and a woman for modern slavery offences. DI Davies went on to write a Modern Slavery Guidance document that has now been shared nationally and used on several cases across British Transport Police and other forces to increase the use of this legislation.

Team of the Year – Inspector Paul Hevey, PC Kevin Rankin, PC Lewis Roberts, PC Leanne Nevin, Danielle Stephenson (NHS nurse)

This award was presented in recognition of this group’s collective efforts to successfully introduce a pilot mental health triage scheme in north-west England and gather evidence to enable the scheme to be continued and expanded.

The pilot, supported by British Transport Police, Merseyrail, and Network Rail, saw police officers work alongside mental health practitioners, allowing for a rapid response to provide on-scene mental health assessments. Over a 12-month period, there was a 62 per cent reduction in section 136 detentions across Liverpool compared to the previous year. This led to a saving for the NHS based on the cost of ambulance requests, A&E admissions and bed costs. British Transport Police also realised an economic saving from returning officers to frontline duties more quickly.

Cop of the Year

This award was presented to an officer who displayed incredible bravery, leadership, and professionalism in the face of a dangerous and challenging incident.

This officer wished to remain anonymous and has requested no publicity.

Special of the Year – Gary Blackburn

Gary Blackburn was honoured for bravery and in recognition of being both an inspiration and a positive force for all who come into contact with him. In September 2024, the volunteer officer was attacked by a man wielding a knife at Preston railway station, suffering severe stab wounds to his back.

While the incident has undoubtedly affected him and his family both physically and mentally, Special Constable Blackburn demonstrated “truly commendable qualities” by returning to frontline duties to support his colleagues and the public in keeping them safe.

Chair’s Award – PC Adam Bebbington and PCSO Andy Noble

These colleagues were recognised for their exceptional actions and efforts in response to reports of a stabbing at All Saints Catholic High School in Sheffield, a few minutes from Sheffield Railway Station, in February 2025.

On arrival, officers were made aware that a student had been stabbed. PC Bebbington immediately assisted an attending paramedic in attempting to provide lifesaving intervention to the victim, a 15-year-old boy. PCSO Noble began liaising with staff and went to the location of the suspect, where he was able to secure the weapon used in the incident, maintaining its integrity as a key part of the investigation.