Lucy D’Orsi announced as new British Transport Police chief constable
Lucy D’Orsi has been confirmed as the new chief constable of British Transport Police (BTP).
Ms D’Orsi is currently Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS). She will take over from Chief Constable Paul Crowther CBE early in the New Year. Mr Crowther is retiring in February after 40 years of continuous service with the force.
Ms D’Orsi joined the MPS in 1992. She has extensive experience working across multiple London boroughs and held the role of Commander East London. She is currently Counter Terrorism Policing’s Senior National Coordinator for Protective Security and Preparedness. She works closely with UK businesses, UK military and international law enforcement agencies. She is also a gold public order commander and has led the policing of multiple events.
In addition, Ms D’Orsi currently has London responsibilities for Royalty and Specialist Protection, Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection, Aviation Policing and Protective Security. She recently led on the centenary celebrations for 100 years of Metropolitan Police Women and is also the national police lead for Taser and Counter Drone UK capabilities.
Ms D’Orsi said: “I am delighted and honoured to be appointed as the next chief constable of BTP. I am looking forward to building on the legacy that Paul is handing over and I would like to thank him for his dedication to policing. Whilst policing the nation’s capital has given me a wealth of operational experience, I am excited to lead a force that deals with the unique nature of policing Britain’s rail, underground and tram network. Working with industry partners and government to keep passengers safe, the railway moving and protect our critical national infrastructure, particularly during these uncertain times, will be very rewarding. I very much look forward to working with the exceptional officers and staff of BTP, and the Police Authority. Finally, I would like to thank my family, friends and colleagues who have supported me throughout my policing career.”
British Transport Police Association (BTPA) chair Ron Barclay-Smith said: “We believe that Lucy will bring valuable skills and insightful leadership to BTP, at a time when there is an uncertain future for Britain’s rail landscape. With the changing nature of crime and demand on the railway following Covid-19, and the need for ever closer working between BTP and train operators, we feel that Lucy’s strong blend of experience and aptitude position her well to lead BTP. We are delighted she has agreed to take on this role.”
Ms D’Orsi will lead a large, dispersed workforce of more than 5,000 police officers and staff across England, Scotland and Wales, as well as leading constructive partnerships with the Department for Transport, the devolved administrations and the rail industry across Great Britain. She will develop BTP’s Strategy and lead the force in delivering its service economically and efficiently, while simultaneously enhancing its reputation further for its innovative and bold approach on the national policing stage.
She was chosen following a rigorous interview and assessment process led by the BTPA, the oversight body for the BTP. The appointment was approved by the Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps and endorsed by Scottish Justice Minister Humza Yousaf.
