British Transport Police today announced Ellie Bird as the new area commander and the hot seat role sees her in charge of day-to-day operational duties in Scotland.
Not only is she the first woman to be promoted to the rank of chief superintendent with BTP but she is also the first woman to be appointed area commander.
Ms Bird, who takes up her role this month, succeeds outgoing chief Martyn Ripley who has retired after a 36-year career.
She said: “I am excited about the challenges ahead and relish the opportunity of working with the great team of people to achieve even greater success in Scotland. I am looking forward to working with train operators and colleagues in the Scottish police service.”
Currently the force’s Director of Intelligence, Ms Bird began her career as a cadet in the West Midlands, serving in Coventry, Solihull, Handsworth and Birmingham in a variety of uniform and CID roles.
She has served as a firearms and public order ground commander as well as being seconded to the Home Office for a year to help set up the National Internet Safety Centre.
As a chief inspector, she ran West Midlands Police press office before joining the London North area of British Transport Police as a detective chief Inspector in February 2006. She was promoted to the rank of Superintendent in October of that year, heading up policing operations on the London Underground and Docklands Light Railway.
In 2009 Ms Bird became director of intelligence at force headquarters.
Chief Constable Andrew Trotter, head of the BTP, today welcomed the announcement.
He said: “I congratulate Ellie on her promotion and appointment. She brings a wealth of experience in public order and crime to her new role.”
Assistant Chief Constable for Scotland David McCall said Ms Bird joins an area working to curb crime on Scotland’s railways.
He said: “I am delighted to welcome Ellie to Scotland and look forward to working with her. She joins an area that has helped drive down crime on Scotland’s railways by 43% over the last five years.”
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