STATES police are facing an “unprecedented” surge in demand while staring down the prospect of shrinking resources, according to a senior officer.
Detective Chief Inspector Craig Jackson warned that the force as “currently experiencing unprecedented demand” at the same time as being hit by a wave of new laws, tighter budgets and growing public expectations.
He was writing to the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Panel as part of its review of the proposed Draft Animal Welfare (Jersey) Law.
DCI Jackson said the proposed animal welfare legislation is not expected to generate significant demand on its own, but warned that even “low incremental demand can affect resourcing” – particularly on frontline response, specialist advice and call-handling.
He added: “States of Jersey Police is currently experiencing unprecedented demand (e.g. violence against women and girls, mental health, etc.) in addition to numerous law changes and challenges to its annual budget.”
It comes after warnings that a separate package of new laws aimed at tackling violence against women and girls could lead to a sharp rise in recorded crime and place more strain on the Island’s already-stretched criminal justice system.
Under five draft laws lodged by the Home Affairs Minister last week, Jersey could see between 245 and 270 additional crimes recorded every year once the reforms are fully in force – an increase of around 8 to 9% in overall recorded crime.
A report accompanying the legislation acknowledge that the changes would significantly increase demand not only on States police, but also on the courts, victim support services and La Moye Prison, which is already under what has been described as “intense population pressures”.
DCI Jackson said the force is broadly supportive of the animal welfare law itself, welcoming wider powers for animal inspectors that could reduce the need for officers to attend welfare-led incidents such as dogs left in hot vehicles.
However, he warned that new powers will still require “targeted training and updated call-handling protocols”, with clear implications for both costs and staff time.
DCI Jackson added that the States police “cannot be the first port of call” for animal welfare issues and called for clear public guidance to manage expectations.
He concluded: “States of Jersey Police welcomes the wider powers for animal inspectors and supports the draft law’s preventive welfare model.
“While we expect low direct demand, we note this comes during other regulatory changes, and the combined incremental effect may impact resourcing.
“Public guidance will be essential to identify the appropriate agency to be contacted.”
It comes after months after Jersey Police Authority chair Simon Harman warned that the “complexity, breadth and intensity of policing demand in Jersey continue[s] to grow”.
Mr Harman said the current financial envelope was “insufficient” and that public safety depends on “a well-resourced, responsive and modern police service”.
He warned that “underfunding in policing carries significant operational, reputational and social risks”.
Mr Harman added that new laws, including stalking and non-fatal strangulation, will “inevitably impact on police demand but attract no additional funding”.
