New Chairman for Police watchdog

Friday 10 November 2017

A new Chairman has been appointed to the independent body responsible for overseeing the Police.

Dr Jason Lane will hold the role of Chairman of the Jersey Police Authority for the next four years.

Appointed by the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Lane will replace Advocate Jonathan White, who had led the JPA since its establishment in 2013.

Dr Lane was previously Deputy Chairman during the JPA’s first four-year term. He commented that he was "delighted" with his new appointment.

"My appointment on the JPA board has been one of the most interesting and rewarding voluntary experiences I have undertaken.

"It gives ordinary members of the public an opportunity to review the current policing system and monitor the performance of the Police. We will continue to work alongside the Minister for Home Affairs and the Senior Management team at States of Jersey Police to monitor the transformation of the new Policing Model introduced this year and we especially look forward to the expected benefits of using mobile technology in 2018 and beyond," he added.

Pictured: The JPA act as a link between the States and Police, frequently liaising with the Home Affairs Minister.

JPA is responsible for ensuring that the Police deliver their aims and objectives, as well as maintaining an efficient service. The watchdog also act as a link between the Police and Home Affairs Minister.

In its first four-year term, the JPA successfully challenged the Police on several matters. Their recommendations laid the foundations for improvements including: establishing an Equality and Diversity Strategy, enhancing public engagement through social media, digital technology transformation and creating safe spaces for individuals with mental health problems.