BTPA is the independent body responsible for ensuring an efficient and effective British Transport Police force for rail operators, their staff and passengers. It is modelled as much as possible on the set up of a local police authority, but it oversees a force that is responsible for policing a much wider area: the railways of England, Scotland and Wales. There are thirteen members of the police authority who provide knowledge and experience of issues that concern passengers, the railways industry, railways employees and the regions. They meet six times a year to set British Transport Police targets, monitor its operations and allocate funds for its budget.