TACKLING violence against women and girls, exploring opportunities to use AI and preventing youth crime are among the areas of focus for the States police in 2025.
The latest four-year Policing Plan – prepared and published by the Jersey Police Authority – has outlined a number of objectives, as part of a “strategic vision” to help the force “deliver exceptional care and protection for Islanders while ensuring cost-effective and efficient use of resources”.
The plan pledges to continue work addressing violence against women and girls, with specialised training, dedicated units, improved reporting mechanisms, awareness campaigns and collaboration with the Law Officers’ Department.
“We will deliver the National Operating Model for Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) and the Joint Domestic Abuse Action Plan,” the document explained.
The plan also referenced the need to make savings to help ease the burden of public financing pressures previously highlighted by JPA chair Simon Harman, citing a reduction in police staff numbers – by two full-time-equivalent roles in 2025 and 2.7 in 2026 – as well as a decrease in the Digital Forensics Unit’s growth bid by £47,000 among the measures being taken to achieve this.
Other objectives include improving road safety through targeted enforcement operations and awareness campaigns, as well as a drive to prevent “the unnecessary criminalisation of care-experienced children and young people” through the use of the parish hall system “for appropriate offences”.
“The desired outcomes of this policing plan include significantly reducing the number of young people involved in crime and anti-social behaviour, achieved through targeted interventions and early support,” the document stated.
The force will also explore “opportunities” to use artificial intelligence, such as transcription and translation services.
Writing in the foreword of the plan, chief officer Robin Smith said: “The States of Jersey Police maintains its relentless commitment to keeping our community safe, protecting the vulnerable, preventing crime, and bringing offenders to justice.
“Despite unprecedented demand, we continue to investigate several major operations.”
Mr Smith continued: “The safety of our Island is the cornerstone of a prosperous society, and it is our duty to ensure every resident feels safe and secure. We appreciate that true safety encompasses not only the absence of crime, but also the presence of justice and a supportive community.”
Mr Harman said: “The plan demonstrates a clear focus on delivering measurable outcomes through collaboration, robust resource management, and a proactive approach to tackling emerging challenges.
He added: “With initiatives such as improving road safety, addressing violence against women and girls, and preventing youth crime, we continue to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all Islanders, particularly the most vulnerable.”
