A last-minute funding boost approved in December’s budget debate means finances for the police are “probably sufficient” for this year, the chair of the Jersey Police Authority has said.
However, Simon Harman has said that the growing demands on the force are anticipated to cause “pinch points” from 2027 onwards.
Mr Harman made the comments following publication of the latest policing plan, which outlined several areas of focus for the force, including road safety, tackling violence against women and girls, safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and addressing anti-social behaviour.
Prepared by the Jersey Police Authority, the 20-page document also reiterated concerns that failing to ensure “sustained and adequate investment” could present “a clear risk to workforce sustainability, service capacity, and the ability of the States of Jersey Police to respond effectively to emerging legislative and operational pressures”.
It acknowledged the government’s decision to increase the States police’s expenditure in 2026 by £240,000, describing this as “targeted investment” that “strengthens the organisation’s capacity to respond to rising and increasingly complex demand”.
It’s next year we feel the pinch points may come
JPA chair Simon Harman
During a scrutiny hearing last week, Grouville Constable Mark Labey asked how the £240,000 would be used.
Police chief Robin Smith explained that “the vast majority” of the funding would support community policing with the remainder going towards the force’s digital forensics unit.
The policing report states that: “Approximately 91% of the police budget is attributable to staff costs, reflecting the workforce-intensive nature of policing and the reliance on a skilled, trained, and resilient workforce to deliver core services.
“Demand for policing services remains consistently high and is expected to increase from 2026 onwards, particularly as new legislation introduces additional duties, complexity and regulatory requirements.”
Speaking to Express, Jersey Police Authority chair Simon Harman said the organisation felt the funding for this year was “probably sufficient”, but added that “it’s next year we feel the pinch points may come”.
Mr Harman noted that: “Jersey is a safe place, as I’ve said many times, but the actual demands are changing and also legislation is changing.”