The current funding model for the honorary police is “unlikely to be sustainable in the long term”, according to the Attorney General – who said that increased financial support from the government would enhance the effectiveness of the voluntary force.
Attorney General Mark Temple was writing a letter to the Government and Parishes Review Scrutiny Panel.
The panel has been established to examine how the Government and parishes are working together to provide effective community services and to implement common key strategies and policies.
In his letter, Mr Temple said: “It is the Attorney General’s view that the current funding model is unlikely to be sustainable in the long term.
“Different parishes have different approaches to funding and it can be very difficult and time consuming for the honorary police to obtain funding or to establish a consistent approach.
“A recent example of this has been the challenge in obtaining funding and consistency across the parishes for a recruitment campaign for the honorary police.”
Mr Temple added that increased financial support from the government would enhance the operational effectiveness and sustainability of the honorary police.
It last month emerged that the honorary police is just 57% recruited, with 11 out of 12 parishes below their full complement of volunteer officers.
There are currently 179 volunteers out of a fully staffed islandwide complement of 311.
Honorary policing is a voluntary service that has been part of Jersey life for hundreds of years. The force is made up of Centeniers, Vingteniers and Constable officers.
Tasks can include carrying out speed and vehicle checks, policing events, including weddings, funerals and festivals, visiting licensed premises, and administering the first tier of the justice system through parish hall enquiries.