The Transport Policing and Crime Command (TPACC) has been created in Greater Manchester as a pioneering, first of its kind approach bringing together Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to help tackle crime, antisocial behaviour and road safety issues across the region’s transport network.
The command will effectively establish the Bee Network as GMP’s 11th policing district and will be led by Chief Superintendent Suzanne Downey. It will bring together 300 personnel – including new police officers – to help keep the network safe and providing greater reassurance to passengers.
It will also incorporate the existing Roads Policing Unit within GMP that includes specialist functions such as the Central Ticket Office, the Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit, the motorbike unit, the Commercial Vehicle Unit, the Serious Collison Investigation Unit and more.
Bev Craig, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “I want a world-class Bee Network where everyone feels safe. There is no place for crime, antisocial behaviour or dangerous driving in Greater Manchester.
“Our new dedicated transport policing command will bring together more than 300 police and safety officers, with high-profile patrols across our roads and the Bee Network. It means a stronger presence in our communities and faster action when people need help.
“It builds on TravelSafe LiveChat, which already discreetly connects thousands of passengers to trained police call handlers within seconds. People can access it today, directly from the Bee Network app.
“TPACC will also crack down on dangerous driving to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads, which have devastating consequences for families and communities.”
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson commented: “TPACC represents a significant step forward in how we police and protect Greater Manchester’s transport network.
“By bringing policing, intelligence and transport partners closer together than ever before, we can respond more effectively to incidents, increase visibility across the network and provide even greater reassurance to passengers.
“Our aim is to make the roads and public transport among the safest in the UK and we will work tirelessly in our efforts to achieve this on behalf of the public of Greater Manchester and beyond.”
The key focus of TPACC will be:
- Increase public confidence on safety across the transport network
- Reduce violence, antisocial behaviour and criminality across the transport network
- Increase the number of users of the Bee Network across Greater Manchester
New officers will be recruited into the TPACC which will be funded through an additional investment within the mayoral budget.