The City of London’s second in command is moving to join the British Transport Police.

Deputy Commissioner Alistair Sutherland has been confirmed as the BTP’s new Deputy Chief Constable.

He replaces Adrian Hanstock who is retiring after 37 years’ service, seven of which have been in the DCC role.

Mr Hanstock had agreed to stay in post to help with the recruitment process that led to the appointment of Lucy D’Orsi as the force’s new Chief Constable, support her induction and then help find his replacement.

He will retire in October.

The British Transport Police Authority Board said: “Alistair’s considerable expertise and vast experience across all levels of policing will serve him well as BTP faces multiple challenges amid a complex operating environment.”

The £145,000 role has internal reform as a top priority as well as leading operational work to protect more than 10,000 miles of track and more than 3,000 stations and depots.

Critical issues are improving diversity – an issue flagged by some of the 5,000 officers and staff as an issue of concern – as well as delivering efficiency reforms.

The job description warns Mr Sutherland will have to help deliver “significant savings” in the £320m a year budget.

Along with anti-terrorism work, the force has a central role in coordinating work with multiple forces to tackle county lines activity by organised crime gangs using the rail network.

Mr Sutherland, who was awarded the QPM in 2018, has been Assistant Commissioner with City of London since 2016 after a long career with Metropolitan Police Service that began in 1986.

He currently holds the National policing portfolios for Business Crime, Community Safety Accreditation Scheme, Private Security Industry and Project Servator. He is the national lead for Counter Terrorism Command and Control and is also a Course Director of the Counter Terrorism Commander’s Course.

CC D’Orsi, said: “Alistair is an exceptionally experienced senior police leader who cares passionately about delivering a high quality service to the public and supporting his colleagues. I am certain that his dedication and extensive experience in both operational and organisational leadership will bring great value to the Force.”

She added: “I know Alistair is keen to build on the legacy that Adrian Hanstock leaves. We owe Adrian a deep gratitude for his exceptional leadership and commitment to public service and I am personally grateful for his support and wisdom since I have been Chief Constable.”

It's the second significant change at the top for City of London which appointed Angela McLaren as its new Commissioner last month.

Mr Sutherland said: “BTP are, quite rightly, highly regarded as a Force and are recognised as national and world leaders in their field of Policing.

"I am committed to enhancing that well-deserved reputation through working closely with colleagues and our partners to deliver all of the ambitions described in our Policing Plan.”