Off-duty police tackle bus yobs
Off-duty police stepped in more than 50 times in the first three months of this year to help public transport users and staff deal with poorly behaved passengers.
West Midlands Police officers assisted train, bus and tram staff to deal with angry fare dodgers or people intimidating other passengers with anti social behaviour a total of 52 times.
Off-duty officers have also spoken to people smoking on buses and engaging in sexually explicit or offensive conversations.
Most interventions ended with people being removed from the service, while six people were arrested for public order offences.
Inspector Lee Gordon said: "West Midlands Police officers can travel for free on public transport by displaying their warrant card ? it's a deal that means off-duty officers regularly travel unseen on transport and are on hand should tempers rise.
"In the majority of cases people immediately calm down and are compliant on realising they are face-to-face with a police officer, but on some occasions officers have been required to make off-duty arrests.
"Their presence deters crime and nuisance behaviour, while increasing public confidence in the safety and security of public transport."
Most of the incidents, a total of 32, took place on a train, with 15 on buses and five on the Midland Metro.
Total recorded crime on public transport in the West Midlands fell by 7.5 per cent between 2011 and 2014.
Passenger surveys have found the playing loud music and smoking are key irritants that can lead to an unfounded fear of crime.
Mark Babington, manager of the safer travel partnership, said: "The actions of these off-duty officers are to be commended, they show how a police officer is never really off-duty and is always prepared to step in to help the community."
