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Police are falling shy of their minimum staffing headcount – and funding challenges, the island’s competitive business environment and fewer ‘career’ officers entering the force are fuelling the problem.
In 2019, States Members agreed that there should be a minimum of 215 police officers, and 125 civilian staff.
However, the Jersey Police Authority has revealed to Express that the force is currently falling short of this requirement – with 203 officers and 122 civilian staff.
It comes after the recently published Policing Plan for 2024 to 2027, which set out how the States of Jersey Police intended to save money, warned of the "negative consequences" of underfunding. It noted that the force had already been asked to make significant savings in recent years as the Government sought to rebalance the public purse in the wake of the pandemic.
Pictured: The force has a minimum headcount requirement of 215 police officers, along with 125 support staff, but is currently falling short.
The report continued: "Although it is important for police to contribute to efforts to address public financing pressures, it cannot be at the expense of having inadequate numbers of police and support staff to deliver what the people of Jersey deserve and expect.
"Striking a balance between adequate funding for SOJP and holding them accountable for their performance is crucial. The consequences of underfunding can be detrimental to both officers and staff, as well as the communities they protect."
While funding pressures can have an impact on workforce, JPA Chair Simon Harman also explained that the island was a difficult environment to recruit in.
"It's maybe a Jersey thing, in that there are a lot of employers here where you can do quite well [working for them]," he said.
"You haven't got to work nights, you're haven't got to work shifts, you're not away from your family and not dealing with the sort of stresses and strains that officers deal with every day."
He also noted that individuals joining the police aren't staying as long in the career as previously.
"People used to join 20 years ago for a career," Mr Harman explained.
"Now maybe they join for the experience, do two or three years and then do something else."
Pictured: Mr Harman said that the headcount shortage could in part be due to difficulties in attracting islanders to a career with the force.
While he said that the current shortage was being "managed well", Mr Harman noted that recruitment – and having a compelling package for potential candidates – remains a continued focus.
"There is a programme of evaluation of police terms and conditions, that looks at salaries and whether they are competitive and will attract people," he said.
Police watchdog warns of "negative consequences" of underfunding
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