In a move that has sparked widespread criticism, British Transport Police (BTP) leadership has implemented the closure of the majority of their ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) accounts, a decision that has been met with frustration from both the public and within the ranks of the force. The change took effect today, leaving many questioning the reasoning behind this unexpected move.
The closure of these social media accounts, which were used by local BTP divisions to engage with the public, provide real-time updates, and respond to inquiries, has been criticized as a step backward in maintaining transparency and communication between the police and the public.
A farewell post from one of the affected BTP accounts hinted at the discontent brewing within the force, with a message that some interpreted as a barbed comment on the decision. The post read: “Thank you for all your support over the years. It’s been a privilege to serve and engage with you here. Remember, we are still out there keeping you safe, even if you won’t hear from us as often. Stay safe.” The wording of the message has led to speculation that even those within the force view the decision as crass and poorly thought out.
Critics argue that shutting down these accounts will diminish the ability of BTP to quickly disseminate information and engage with the public, particularly during incidents that impact public transport, such as disruptions, safety alerts, or emergencies.
One frequent X user, who often relied on BTP updates for travel information, commented: “I can’t believe they’re closing these accounts. It’s a huge mistake. They were vital for quick updates, and now we’ll be left in the dark when we need information most.”
The BTP has yet to provide a comprehensive explanation for the decision, which some speculate could be related to resource management or a shift in social media strategy. However, the lack of clarity and the abrupt nature of the closures have only added to the frustration.
As the decision takes effect, there are growing calls for BTP bosses to reconsider and reinstate the accounts, ensuring that the valuable link between the police and the public isn’t lost.
The closure of the accounts marks a significant shift in how BTP communicates with the public, and many will be watching closely to see if the decision proves to be a mistake or if it leads to a more streamlined approach to public engagement.
