The figures, released following a freedom of information request by this newspaper, include both civilian staff and police officers and show that around eight per cent of the organisation’s workforce have left so far this year.
And those that have departed are spread across all age groups and have not been limited to retirement age.
The total so far for 2018, which covers up to the end of July, compares to 14 departures in 2014, 22 in 2015 and fewer than ten in 2014.
According to the States police, the reasons for the departures this year include transferring to UK police forces, emigrating and pursuing new careers as well as retiring.
A spokeswoman for the force said the turnover is being managed to ensure that the most ‘effective and efficient service’ is provided.
‘With a total workforce in the region of 300 members of staff – roughly 200 police officers and 100 civilian police staff – year on year the number of leavers will vary – in fact the 2018 figure is similar to that for 2015. The range of staff leaving has been at a variety of grades and ranks.
‘As with most, if not all of UK policing, the face of law enforcement is changing as we increasingly seek to exploit opportunities for functions previously undertaken by police officers, but which don’t require policing powers and can be undertaken by members of police (civilian) staff. We are also using technology to greater effect. As part of the new States of Jersey integrated Justice & Home Affairs Department, this also presents many opportunities for collaboration and economies of scale which are already being actively exploited and pursued.’
She added that the force was currently recruiting staff from both within Jersey and from the UK.
‘Indeed we were interviewing potential transferee officers in England last week and have further interviews planned here this week, with an emphasis on officers who have a strong operational background in community policing,’ she said.
‘We are also recruiting new officers locally with a final selection process planned for mid-September. In total, we plan to recruit in the region of ten additional officers in the coming weeks.’
According to the figures, fewer than ten members of staff have left so far this year in each of the 20-30, 30-40, 40-50 and 60 plus age groups.
Ten in the 50-60 age group have left the force so far in 2018.
Where there were fewer than ten in a category then the exact number has not been released in order, the force says in its reply to the request, to protect the identity of individuals.
The spike in turnover comes at a time when there is again due to be change at the top for the force.
A recruitment process is due to begin later this year for a permanent police chief and deputy police chief.
Current deputy police chief Julian Blazeby is leaving the force to take up the role of director general of the new Justice and Home Affairs department that has been created by government.
Police chief Rob Bastable died last month following a battle with cancer. He had replaced retiring Mike Bowron, who had held the position since 2011.
James Wileman was recently appointed interim deputy police chief.
