Revenue Protection Officers (railway)

Livingthedream

Oh dear what a shocking experience, The only thing I can add to what stigy's already quote is did the RPI/O say that you would get a letter form the Train Company in due course, for you to submit your course of events.

Would also still post your above story on one or both of the below forums
http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/forumdisplay.php?161-Public-transport-%28Trains-tubes-and-buses%29
http://www.railforums.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=105

storm08

I know that she has a right to confiscate the ticket, and I understand that it's not really a search but it has my bank cards, money, pictures, all sorts in. I can't see it being good practice that she go through all this in her search for further evidence?

Anyway, she has no proof that I ever actually travelled using an altered card. On the day she inspected it, it was filled out correctly. My fault entirely that it had been written on by my neice when playing with the tickets and her pretending to play buses with them. Yes it was in crayon lol!

To be honest the main thing is the way it was dealt with. If it only requires one submitting RPO why did the 2nd one join in throughout? I am completely disillusioned with the whole system.

Livingthedream

storm08 wrote: »

If it only requires one submitting RPO why did the 2nd one join in throughout?

Good Cop / Bad Cop?

storm08

Livingthedream wrote: »

No unfortunately both bad cop.. very intimidating.

johnnyroper

no real help to OP but i have seen some of these RPI's in action as i work for a TOC,some of them are completely blinkered and do not listen to what passengers are saying/explaining.They make mind up on situation without really having any evidence the power goes to their heads.Obviously not all are like this but i have witnessed some first hand with very questionable tactics.

Stigy

johnnyroper wrote: »

no real help to OP but i have seen some of these RPI's in action as i work for a TOC,some of them are completely blinkered and do not listen to what passengers are saying/explaining.They make mind up on situation without really having any evidence the power goes to their heads.Obviously not all are like this but i have witnessed some first hand with very questionable tactics.

I fully agree that there are a few RPIs that need to take a reality check, however, there are situations whereby you believe they are acting unprofessionally (they may well be of course!), when in fact they are being assertive as opposed to aggressive with people. A lot of the time people are under the impression that they are treating people like criminals as soon as the Penalty Fare is mentioned, where in reality if they thought a person was deliberately evading their fare, they'd be reporting them (as in this situation unfortunately...).

Regarding evidence, the only real evidence they need is that the passenger had travelled on a train, and didn't have a ticket when requested for one.

Livingthedream

Stigy wrote: »

they'd be reporting them (as in this situation unfortunately...).

Livingthedream wrote: »

did the RPI/O say that you would get a letter from the Train Company in due course, for you to submit your course of events.

That's why I asked that question last night, as IMHO I feel that the OP has been reported.

storm08

Yes I think it has been reported too, does this mean I will be contacted by the CPS rather than the TO Prosecution department?:(

Livingthedream

storm08 wrote: »

Yes I think it has been reported too, does this mean I will be contacted by the CPS rather than the TO Prosecution department?:(

Again opinions and thoughts is all we have at the moment, so don't jump the gun and worry.

If you have been reported then the report goes to the Train companies' prosecution dept for them to look over and evaluate, this can take anything from a week to a couple of months depending on departmental workload.

They'll send out a notice of intention of prosecution and this letter gives you your chance to defend yourself or stitch yourself up if your not careful. It also shouldn't be used to say that the RPI/O's attitude was rubbish as this could be seen as 'clutching at straws'

You have two options then;
1. As I said defend yourself stating in letter your reasons why you think you have been hard done by and your tickets were valid.

This then becomes the decision of the Train Companies' prosecution dept whether to take this to court, but understand this, there is a good chance it might go to court and the repercussions involved.

2. Explain that you are deeply embarrassed, that you are fearful of potential consequences, and wonder if they would be prepared to take no further action if you meet all reasonable costs of the matter so far. Worded it carefully, the letter must not admit guilt of an offence, but accepts a 'liability'.

Hopefully, with option 2 the Train Company can make some money without this going to court and might reply saying pay around £100 in 7 days and don't do it again.

Whatever you do, if you get a letter of intention of prosecution don't ignore it, repost here or the other forums I've stated for some help.

storm08

Thanks for replying Livingthedream. I will have to sit tight and see what letter I receive from them. I'm trying to remain positive but its really hard.. I know how serious any sort of conviction would be in terms of employment. Just wandering around like a zombie worrying about it all... Thanks again, will keep everyone updated.