TransPennine Express boosts rail safety with the introduction of its own PCSOs
TransPennine Express has introduced its own dedicated Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), in partnership with British Transport Police (BTP).
Following nine months of dedicated planning and collaborative work, this initiative aims to offer even more support and reassurance to passengers and staff on the rail network.
The eight PCSOs will provide a visible and approachable presence on trains and at stations. Operating on shifts including weekends, they will support staff in managing low-level incidents as well as providing high-visibility patrols on trains and at stations, and act as a direct link to BTP.
PCSOs are uniformed members of the police service who work to prevent crime, tackle antisocial behaviour, and support community safety. They operate under the authority of BTP and have access to police intelligence, making them a vital link between the public and the police.
Equipped with handcuffs and powers of detention, they help tackle antisocial behaviour while complementing and working alongside the existing police presence across the network. The new PCSOs will be managed by an in-house BTP Liaison Sergeant.
Chris Jackson, Managing Director at TransPennine Express, said: “By introducing PCSOs, we’re setting a new standard for the industry and giving our customers and colleagues the reassurance they deserve. This is about partnership, visibility, and making rail travel even safer.”
Teams will be based in Hull, York, Manchester, Preston and Sheffield, covering major stations and routes including Hull to Leeds, Scarborough to Newcastle, Manchester Airport to Liverpool and Preston, and Sheffield to Cleethorpes and Doncaster.
Five PCSOs are already on the TransPennine route network, with a further three set to join in February 2026.
Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy said: “This shows how TransPennine Express under public ownership is leading the way in making rail journeys safer and more reassuring for all passengers and staff. Everyone should feel confident when they travel, and this partnership with British Transport Police is a great step forward.
"By increasing visibility and strengthening community support on the network, we’re helping to tackle antisocial behaviour and violence against women and girls, ensuring passengers and staff feel protected every day.”
BTP Superintendent David Rams said: “Our new dedicated team of PCSOs represents our shared commitment with TransPennine Express to deliver a safer travel experience for rail passengers. This team will provide visible reassurance to the public at stations and on-board trains in the region, ensuring everyone can travel with confidence.
“Passengers with any concerns are urged to speak to our officers patrolling the rail network, and report anything that doesn’t look right to us by texting 61016. We’re here to protect every journey.”