Complaints made against the police could be published in anonymised form in an attempt to strengthen public confidence after an independent investigation into the force – only made public following a freedom of information request – revealed 61 allegations have been upheld.
The investigation carried out by Devon and Cornwall Police – which cost more than £80,000 and only came to light following a request made under the Freedom of Information Law – identified 12 officers as having some involvement or supervisory responsibility.
Two of the officers have faced a misconduct hearing, which the police has said is subject to an ongoing appeal process, while six either resigned or retired before the investigation took place or during it.
The police has also confirmed that work is being undertaken to improve the complaints process and public scrutiny as part of the upcoming Police (Complaints and Conduct – States of Jersey Police Force) Regulations 2025.
This will include empowering the Jersey Police Complaints Commission and the Deputy Chief Officer to publish anonymised summaries and findings, where doing so is in the public interest and does not create a real risk to criminal proceedings as well as introducing public hearings in certain circumstances and allowing investigations into former officers.
“States of Jersey Police welcomes these reforms, which will further enhance public accountability and independent oversight,” the statement said.
The complaint was into the police’s handling of a case involving a teenager – Freddie Dentskevich – who was knocked off his bicycle at a junction in St Martin in March 2020.
In 2023, a woman was charged with causing serious injury while driving a motor vehicle without due care and attention, but the case was dropped later that year after a review by a road traffic investigator concluded that there was “insufficient evidence for a realistic chance of conviction”.
The force’s statement added: “The States of Jersey Police has personally apologised to the injured party and his family. We remain committed to continuous improvement, and to ensuring that lessons learned lead to enhanced public service for the community we serve.”
Jersey police also said that they have implemented better evidence gathering, advanced investigative training and clearer communication with victims and families when investigating serious road incidents after a complaint against the force saw 61 allegations upheld.
“In light of this matter, States of Jersey Police have significantly enhanced their approach to serious and fatal road traffic collisions,” the statement said.
“Key improvements include advanced investigative training, better evidence collection (including body-worn video), clearer digital evidence procedures, enhanced supervision, and improved communication with victims and families.
“These changes have led to successful convictions in complex cases, reflecting a strong commitment to learning and delivery of justice.”
