SIPTU calls for public transport police service

SIPTU has called for the establishment of a dedicated public transport police service to combat abuse, violence and anti-social behaviour on buses, trains and trams.

The union will launch a policy paper today outlining its preferred model for such a police service.

It is calling for the establishment of a nationwide network of 'authorised officers' similar to the currently existing Airport Police Service.

SIPTU said that a new national public transport police service should also include public transport assistance units.

These would be staffed by specifically trained social care intervention officers to deal with those causing public disturbances who are more applicable for intervention in relation to underlying social care issues such as drug abuse and homelessness, rather than within a purely legal framework.

SIPTU said its ‘Travel Safe’ proposals draw on the experiences of workers, research of international best policing practices and the experience of union members employed in the Airport Police Service.

The union said that recent surveys of its members have highlighted the growing problem of abuse and anti-social behaviour on the public transport network.

"The results were both stark and disturbing," said SIPTU Divisional Organiser Adrian Kane.

"These surveys also clearly confirmed our members’ support for the creation of a public transport policing unit," Mr Kane said.

Earlier this month, security guards began operating on Dublin Bus services in response to rising incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Mobile teams of security personnel have begun travelling on buses daily during afternoon, evening and night services as part of a 20-week pilot programme.