Jersey now has fewer police officers per capita than comparable jurisdictions – including England, Wales, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man.
The latest States of Jersey Police Annual Report revealed that the current police headcount in Jersey is 201 officers – which equates to 1.9 per 1,000 population.
In comparison, England, Wales, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man all have over 2.1 officers per 1,000 population.
It comes after savings were made by reducing the Police Constable (PC) headcount in the Community Policing Team.
The annual report explained that staff costs represents around 91% of the States of Jersey Police’s overall budget, meaning that cost reductions have a significant impact on overall headcount.
“The non-pay budget continues to be under significant pressure due to the impact of above average inflationary increases,” it added.
The report also revealed that the States of Jersey Police is reviewing “multiple scenarios” – including a recruitment freeze in civil servant positions and the “realignment of staff” in all departments – to address the £1.6m budget shortfall.
Jersey Police Authority chair Simon Harmon praised the “considerable efforts” of the force in responding to an “increasingly complex and demanding operational environment”.
“These efforts have been carried out amidst continuing financial pressures, which pose significant risks to both resourcing and the wellbeing of officers and staff,” he said.
“As we look to the future, sustaining public confidence while preserving workforce resilience and morale must remain central to policing strategy.”