CC Crowther's current term in the job is set to end in February next year, which will mark the end of seven years in the role and 40 years with BTP. 

BTPA say they are now looking for someone who “can provide effective leadership to a large, dispersed workforce of police officers and staff, as well as leading constructive partnerships with Governments and the Rail Industry across Great Britain”.

The force employs around 5,000 officers and staff. BTPA Chair Ron Barclay-Smith called BTP a “one-of-a-kind” police force, covering the widest area of and funded mostly from the rail industry rather than the Home Office.

He said: “Our new Chief Constable will therefore need vision and a strong strategic focus, with the ability to look to the future to ensure that BTP continues to provide a high quality and effective service which meets the needs of its rail industry partners and the millions of people who use the rail network each year.

CC Crowther first joined BTP as a constable back in 1980. He was promoted to Chief Superintendent in 2003 and led a number of high profile investigations into major incidents including the Potters Bar train crash. He became CC in 2014.

He was awarded a CBE in the 2020 New Years’ Honours List.

Mr Barclay-Smith said: “Paul has been with the BTP for 34 years and in his six-year tenure as Chief Constable he has led a police force that has adapted impressively to the ever-changing nature of the British rail network. In anticipation of the Government’s Rail Review and any changes necessitated by COVID-19, our new Chief Constable will be expected to be just as versatile and ambitious in the face of change.”

The salary is £175,000 and the closing date for applications in Friday 10 July.