The report revealed that 1,931 notifications were made to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub last year – with the rise possibly linked to the release of the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry report last July. A year earlier, just 576 notifications were made to MASH.
And the Financial Intelligence Unit saw a four per cent increase in activity – the highest levels ever recorded.
The report stated that the police received additional funding in preparation for the publication of the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry to ‘strengthen its existing partnership working to protect and safeguard children through the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub’.
Meanwhile, there was a 48 per cent hike in the number of missing persons reports that were filed by the police. A total of 777 were made in 2017 compared with 525 in 2016.
Total recorded crime stayed at a similar level with 3,055 reports last year, compared to 2,898 and 3,087 in 2016 and 2015 respectively.
Deputy police chief Julian Blazeby said: ‘The policing challenge is varied and at times complex, whether it is a fraud investigation, dealing with the vulnerable, people in crisis or managing the night-time economy and this report reflects this.
‘The progress made during the year on introducing new ways of working through technology to enable police officers to be more visible in the parishes and more efficient in their work has been good and will continue to make a positive difference during 2018. We will continue to build upon the good work and progress made during 2017.
‘Jersey continues to be a very safe place to live, work and visit and the States of Jersey Police have a vital role in ensuring this continues, working together with other partner agencies and the community to maintain this.’
Meanwhile, 94 per cent of people surveyed said they felt safe in their neighbourhood – the same as in 2016.
And 84 per cent said the force was doing a good job – a two per cent rise on the previous year.
The JPA is an independent body responsible for overseeing the police force and ensuring key targets are met.
Dr Jason Lane, chairman of the JPA, said: ‘Overall, 2017 was a year of significant transformation for all officers and staff, the most visual aspect of which was the successful phased move into the new headquarters on Route du Fort.
‘I am delighted to report that despite the considerable logistical challenges, the transition went as planned and without affecting performance or public service.’
The report also revealed that 225 crimes were reported online.
