The Chancellor of the Exchequer's Spending Review announcement included news of an increase in funding for policing. But, at 2.3% per year, the increase doesn't match the demands on the service.
BTP Federation Chair, Stuart Cowan, said: "Successive governments have put the squeeze on policing. As the service of last resort, we're expected to be all things to all people, but without the funding needed to meet this ever-increasing list of demands. Decisions around funding and resources show how disconnected the government is from the realities of policing. Public demand continues to rise, fuelled by a mental health crisis, violence against women and girls, domestic abuse, and the growth of online crime.
"Aside from the Spending Review, BTP is already facing funding challenges following the recent settlement announced by the British Transport Police Authority, which falls far short of what the Force had requested.
"Without adequate funding to do all that is expected of us, we instead need to have a conversation about what policing is NOT going to do. Not everything can be a priority. We can't keep plugging the funding gap.
"The impact on officers is huge. If morale isn't at rock bottom, it can't be far off. Just last month, I spoke with a colleague who had made the difficult decision to leave policing to join the rail industry. Their gain is our devastating loss, and he's far from the only officer making a move away from public service.
"The officers I represent are proud to serve and work so hard to keep the rail network safe. But their collective efforts are being undermined by decisions made at considerable distance from the frontline. I, like them, joined this job to protect people, to keep them safe from harm. That's incredibly difficult to do when you're lacking resources, are run ragged and burning out.
"The service is far from perfect, we know that. The public deserves better, and so do police officers. Those making tough choices about funding and resources need to lift their heads from their spreadsheets and listen to the voices of those on the front line."
Full details of the Spending Review can be read here.