Crime reporter, Army officer and tennis champ among police recruits

Crime reporter, Army officer and tennis champ among police recruits

The 11-strong group have been sworn in as police officers in the Royal Court with Deputy Bailiff Robert MacRae praising the wide-ranging experience that the new cohort brings to the force.

Mr MacRae congratulated them all, stating: ‘It is marvellous that the police has attracted individuals from so many different backgrounds with a huge range of experience. On behalf of the court, I thank you all very much for agreeing to serve your Island, particularly at what is a difficult time for the Island.’

The Deputy Bailiff mentioned a piece of information about all the new recruits, including Benedict Casson, a former British Army officer of 20 years who served in Afghanistan, Iraq and Estonia.

The other new officers include tennis coach, Mark Gilmour, who won an over-35s doubles championship at Wimbledon, medical secretary Chantelle Heald, translator Antonio Jardim and primary school teacher Danielle O’Donnell.

Former JEP crime reporter Jack Maguire was also among the group, with the Deputy Bailiff adding: ‘You’re no stranger to this court, although not for being in the dock.’

The other new officers sworn in were Gyorgy Dozsa, Alice Tostevin, Liam Fahy, Kesia Myers and Euan McArther.

The group had been due to fly to the UK on Sunday to start their training with Norfolk Constabulary, but the coronavirus pandemic means that they will now complete a reduced initial training package in Jersey.

Police Chief Officer Robin Smith said: ‘Whilst ordinarily trained off-Island, we took the decision in the current climate to continue with the recruitment and initially train locally.

‘These officers will increase our ability to provide visible reassurance during this time of crisis. Equally, it’s important we keep an eye on the future whilst dealing with the challenges of today.

‘I look at this cohort with envy as they embark upon their careers doing what I consider to be the best job in the world.

‘They join at the most demanding of times but they are all high-quality individuals who bring a wide range of skills and experience from their diverse backgrounds.

‘They are all members of our Island community, now in uniform, who share a common sense of duty and a clear desire to keep Islanders safe.

‘We’re delighted to welcome them to the team.’

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