HMICS is to conduct a joint inspection of British Transport Police with Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in England and Wales (HMIC). This will allow for HMICS to work with HMIC on its planned inspection of the efficiency, legitimacy and leadership of this UK police service, and will now include an assessment of British Transport Police in Scotland.

HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland Derek Penman said, "In addition to assessing the performance of British Transport Police in Scotland, it is my intention to use this joint inspection to identify any strategic issues arising from the proposed transfer of its Scottish operations to Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority under the Railway Policing (Scotland) Bill. Our report and any recommendations or findings could inform future discussions about the implementation of this transfer."

The inspection fieldwork will commence in February 2017.