WORKING with other organisations, using more technology and allocating resources based on data are some of the ways that the States police intend to save money in the next four years due to “significant” budget cuts.
Financial stability and value for money are outlined as top priorities in the States of Jersey Policing Plan for 2024 to 2027, which also raises concerns about the potential negative impacts of reduced funding, including on public safety and police effectiveness.
The plan’s publication comes as the funding for the police has “decreased significantly” over the past few years, with the government slashing the budget by nearly £840,000 in 2023 compared to 2022.
In the document’s foreword, police chief Robin Smith said: “In an era of fiscal responsibility, we understand the importance of providing value for money.
“Every resource entrusted to us will be managed judiciously to ensure the most effective and efficient delivery of services.”
Police watchdog chair Simon Harman said that optimising resources by understanding current and future policing demands and ensuring value for money were “key pillars” of the plan.
He said: “Through regular resource allocation reviews, performance metrics and collaborative partnerships, we will strive to maximise the impact of every pound invested in policing.”
The plan reads: “In recent years, the States of Jersey Police have been asked by the government to make significant savings to help ease the burden of public financing pressures.
“While the Jersey Police Authority supports the idea of the organisation sharing these pressures, it is important to note that inadequate funding can have several negative consequences.
“This could affect public safety, police effectiveness and the overall wellbeing of the community.
“It is important to understand that the specific consequences may vary depending on the extent of underfunding and the unique circumstances of life on the Island.”
It added: “The JPA is aware that the minimum number of police officer headcount should be 215, along with 125 support staff, as agreed by the States Assembly in 2019.
“However, the additional pressures faced by the government since the pandemic have made it challenging for treasury colleagues to fulfil the expected investment.
“Although it is important for police to contribute to efforts to address public financing pressures, it cannot be at the expense of having inadequate numbers of police and support staff to deliver what the people of Jersey deserve and expect.
“The consequences of underfunding can be detrimental to both officers and staff, as well as the communities they protect.”
