British Transport Police Authority appoints new assistant Chief Constable

British Transport Police Authority today announced the appointment of Paul Beasley as Assistant Chief Constable.

Mr Beasley joins British Transport Police (BTP) from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC), and fills the vacancy created when Paul Crowther was appointed BTP's Deputy Chief Constable last year.

"The panel had a strong list of first-rate candidates to select from, and I am delighted to have chosen Paul," said Millie Banerjee, BTPA Chairman.

"His experience and calibre will prove particularly useful as we drive forward our programme of efficiency savings and ensure value for the rail industry's money. I welcome him warmly to British Transport Police."

At HMIC, Mr Beasley led on developing a programme to inspect the monetary value of police forces in England and Wales. He has thirty years of experience in the police service, most recently at Northumbria Police as Assistant Chief Constable with responsibility for crime and intelligence.

Mr Beasley said: "I have long held ambition to join BTP and being selected for this appointment gives me the opportunity to serve as a police officer in this unique and forward looking organisation".

Chief Constable Andy Trotter welcomed the appointment, saying: "I am really pleased Paul has been appointed by the Authority. Paul is a highly experienced and respected detective who has dealt with serious crime, counter terrorism and CBRN incidents. He has considerable knowledge and understanding of the strategic issues we face from his time at HMIC and he will be a great asset for BTP.

"I look forward to him to joining BTP shortly."

Mr Beasley will initially hold the Protective Services portfolio of responsibilities in BTP's Strategic Command Team.