Brit Transport Cops Vs. Sex and Soccer Thugs

In the wake of the 2005 London Tube bombings, the British Transport Police have become an important force for preventing terrorism. But the force has found itself threatened by an unexpected menace: football hooligans. The BTP musters troops to escort the most violent sports fans to and from games, Janes reports:

“It literally costs millions over the course of the season,” said Supt (acting) [Graham] Bamford, adding, “A match between Bolton and Manchester United would be hugely problematic for us as there is a history between these clubs. And they are only 12 miles apart, so there is a concentration of fans in the area. It will take up a lot of resources and BTP will not get any recompense for this.” ...

Last week Andy Trotter, BTP deputy chief constable, told Jane’s Police Review he was concerned there were not enough resources in the force's budget to continue ferrying 'foul and abusive' fans to and from football matches, while continuing to carry out its normal duties.

To make matters worse, the BTP was at least one man short recently when a senior officer secreted a girl into a police facility for a quickie. In his defense, he pointed out that he had kept his radio on during the encounter, according to The Times:

[Masood Khan's] conduct had been wrong “professionally and morally”, he said, but denied that it had interfered with his duties as an inspector; his colleagues could have contacted him on his radio had he been needed. Kevin Baumber, for the defence, asked him: “What would you have done if you were called away?” Mr Khan replied: “If it’s a call for me I would have answered it and dealt with it.”