THE States of Jersey Police wellbeing strategy has been “enhanced” following tragedies that struck the Island in December 2022, according to a senior leader within the force.
Two years on from major incidents that required a large-scale emergency services response and multiple criminal investigations, support for civilian staff and officers – including those affected by trauma – remains a key focus for Chief Inspector Chris Beechey.
The incidents included the collision between Condor’s Commodore Goodwill and the L’Ecume II fishing vessel on 8 December – investigated under Operation Nectar – as well as the Pier Road explosion on 10 December; the investigation into that tragedy was named Operation Spire.
In addition to the force’s role in the immediate emergency response, recovery efforts and support provided to the families of those who died, the subsequent criminal investigations required a significant amount of police work that included the collation of physical evidence.
“Support for those who responded, and indeed the support for those who have experienced any form of reaction or trauma to the events of two years ago, continues to this day,” Chief Insp Beechey said.
“When we experienced the major incidents, it was very clear from day one and from talking to those who had experience of similar incidents in the past – [who] were able to advise and guide both the police service and other emergency responders and indeed the public and beyond – that this was a start of a very long journey.
“Whenever we talk about the impact in-house, we often describe a five-to-ten-year journey that we’re likely to experience the effects of. The range of support that is now available across the organisation has been both enhanced because of what happened, but as part of our ongoing wellbeing strategy has naturally developed into something that is very comprehensive.”
Chief Insp Beechey explained that this strategy encompassed a collective range of support initiatives.
“We have specialist counsellors, we have a government AXA [healthcare] referral process. We have our own wellbeing team that is in a position to talk and provide advice,” he continued, adding that charities such as Rock2Recovery also provided support.
