Police Authority - Special Police Forces

Special Police Forces

Arrangements for Special Police Force authorities vary by legislative body within the UK.

• British Transport Police Authority - The authority was created in 2004 by the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003, it is made up of approximately 12-15 members, each of whom represents groups concerned with the control, operation or use of the railways. They include representatives of the railway operators, railway users (freight and passenger), employees and the appropriate government departments dealing with transport in England, Scotland and Wales.

The British Transport Police are responsible for policing railways in Great Britain. It was not created by any of the various Police Acts in Great Britain and consequently was not subject to the same requirements as a territorial police force.

• Civil Nuclear Police Authority - The authority was created in 2004 by the Energy Act 2004; it is made up of seven members; four are nominated by the nuclear industry, while the remaining three are the Chairman, the Police adviser and an independent member.

The CNC is responsible for protecting civil nuclear installations and substances and was also created by legislation other than the national Police Acts. The CNC operates in Great Britain.

• Scottish Police Services Authority (which also deals with other police and criminal justice services in Scotland) is the police authority for the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency (SCDEA).

The SCDEA is responsible for preventing and detecting serious organised crime (including drug trafficking) in Scotland.