The role of ‘designated deputy’ will be introduced in October, with the current acting deputy chief James Wileman returning to his former position of superintendent.
Mr Wileman, a former Victoria College student, was in the running to fill the then vacant role of police chief – which would have made him the first Jersey-born officer to do so since the retirement of the late Bob Le Breton in 2000.
Instead, Robin Smith, the former deputy chief constable of the Sussex and Surrey Police, was appointed and began the role at the start of this year.
Mr Norman said that although it was ‘not going to happen tomorrow’, it was still an ‘expectation’ that a local officer could one day take on the top role.
‘It’s not just a priority – it’s an expectation as far as I’m concerned,’ said Mr Norman. ‘We have some excellent senior officers who have potential to reach the very top.
‘There are those who think that it’s not always a good idea to have a local police chief because they might have interests within the Island – I don’t hold that view. I think a local police chief would be good if they had the right experience, talent, knowledge and are able to prove they can do the job at the highest level.
‘Part of the role that the police chief has is to bring on and develop the senior management team and other officers with a look to the future. We’ve got some really good local officers who are part of the senior management team.’
Mr Norman added that Mr Smith was committed to ensuring opportunities would be available to senior officers.
‘Hopefully, with any organisation, you keep going forward and improving. What Robin Smith has made quite clear is that there will be opportunities for all senior officers – he’s working very hard and there will be more opportunities for people to develop, which will be good.’
According to Mr Norman, one main concern is that the force needs to see an extended period of stability – something that would eventually provide officers with the chance to develop through the ranks.
‘The police have been through a very difficult period since [former chief] Mike Bowron retired. They haven’t had a stable management situation since then. It’s very important that they have a good long period of stability, for the morale of the force if not for anything else.’
