From a drugs mule claiming to have been surfing in Rennes to large-scale money-laundering investigations and “emotive” immigration cases, the first woman to hold the title of Agent of the Impôts’s role spoke to Express about the challenges faced daily by the service…
The first woman in the role “in living memory”, Rhiannon Small said she has been researching the role, using the archive to understand its history.
A role with 400 years of history
“It’s 400 years old – one of the first government posts in Jersey.
“The research shows that Sir Walter Raleigh created the role in 1602. That role was short-lived, but then the role was resurrected in about 1607, we think.
“But there’s a lot more work to be done looking at the history.
“From all the research and living memory, I am the first female to hold the role. We think it is that I am the first female since 1602, which is quite something.”
Raised eyebrows over milk
Through the centuries, Customs have looked out for firearms and gunpowder as well as milk, alcohol and tobacco, she explained.
“When I’m dealing with colleagues in the UK or further afield, there’s always raised eyebrows about why is it illegal to import milk,” she said.
Leading a 90-strong team
Having taken up the role in March, Ms Small said she had prioritised stability, focusing on staff wellbeing.
“I know that a change in leadership can be unsettling,” she said.
The role is split between Customs and Immigration, with a 90-strong team covering uniformed roles and investigations.
Collaborations with police and a host of other agencies make up an important part of the work – a recent investigation exposing around 50 children who were caught up in a drug trafficking ring that used them to receive and traffic parcels.
Investigations also cover money-laundering and other financial crimes, and they work with the Jersey Financial Crime Unit, Revenue Jersey and Social Security, among others.
“I’m very proud”
Ms Small added: “I’m incredibly proud to hold the title now of Agent of the Impôts and Chief Immigration Officer.
“When I set out on my journey as a Customs and Immigration Officer 19 years ago, I never thought for a minute I’d be sitting in this position. I’m very proud to do that.
“I think the service is brilliant. I think we’ve had some brilliant leaders in the past who’ve been role models for me, which has helped me on my journey to get to where I am. And I just really look forward to watching the service grow over the next five, 10 years and seeing what else we can achieve.”
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