“CONTINUING financial pressures” in the States police pose “significant risks” to the wellbeing of officers, the Jersey Police Authority chair has said.
Simon Harmon was writing in the latest States of Jersey Police Annual Report, which was published last week.
The Jersey Police Authority chair praised the “considerable efforts” of the force in responding to an “increasingly complex and demanding operational environment”.
Mr Harmon wrote: “These efforts have been carried out amidst continuing financial pressures, which pose significant risks to both resourcing and the wellbeing of officers and staff.
“As we look to the future, sustaining public confidence while preserving workforce resilience and morale must remain central to policing strategy.”
The report also revealed that the number of police officers in Jersey reduced from 215 in 2020 to 201 in 2024.
This means the Island has 1.9 officers for every 1,000 residents, compared to more than 2.1 in England, Wales, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man.
Savings were made by reducing the Police Constable (PC) headcount in the Island’s Community Policing Team, according to the report.
The document also revealed that the States police are reviewing “multiple scenarios” – including a recruitment freeze in civil servant positions and the “realignment of staff” in all departments – to address the £1.6m budget shortfall.
