The States of Jersey Police has recently been dealing with an "unprecedented" number of major incidents, leaving the force "probably as busy as it’s ever been," according to testimony presented to a Scrutiny panel.
Police Chief Robin Smith informed the Children, Education, and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel that budget cuts are being planned for 2025 and 2026, which will impact two police staff positions and the forensics unit.
While the forensics unit will not be downsized, "growth funding"—previously secured for hiring new personnel and acquiring software licenses—has been reduced as part of cost-saving measures. The States of Jersey Police budget is set to decrease gradually over the next four years. Home Affairs Minister Mary Le Hegarat acknowledged to the panel that police budgets "remain a challenge."
Chief Smith elaborated that the ongoing investigations into 15 homicides—ten related to the Haut du Mont explosion, three from the sinking of L’Ecume II, and the deaths of Charlie and Dean Lowe—represent an "unprecedented" workload for the island’s small police force.
Smith noted that additional funds had been allocated to the police budget over the past four years to manage major incident investigations. However, as savings have been made, "we have effectively given that money back."
He highlighted that both the current and previous governments have recognized the heavy workload on the police force, adding that the force has been "well funded" from the start of these large-scale investigations. The funding has not only supported these complex cases but has also allowed officers and staff to be reallocated to maintain routine operations.
Smith explained that the government has provided additional funding in acknowledgment of the unprecedented challenges faced by the States of Jersey Police, which has helped mitigate the impact on the force to some extent.
He also pointed out that 90% of the police budget is spent on personnel, and therefore, any attempts to achieve savings typically involve staffing efficiencies.
Chief Smith confirmed that savings for 2025 and 2026 have been identified, affecting two police staff positions, not officers, and a slight reduction in the forensics unit.
He mentioned that the Chief Minister is "mindful" of maintaining frontline services, with further discussions on the 2025 and 2026 police budgets planned for later this year.
Smith added that the "current affordable" number of police officers is 201, below the minimum of 215 officers agreed upon by States Members in 2019.
Regarding whether 201 officers are sufficient, he stated that with the current funding supporting Operation Spire and Operation Nectar, the force can manage its routine responsibilities. However, he emphasized the need for a degree of resilience, given the challenges of policing an island with limited external support.
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