THE States police is “exploring opportunities” to expand the use of its firearms range and tactical training centre – including potentially generating revenue by opening it up to other police forces.
The complex, which was funded by money confiscated from criminals, was unveiled in September.
As well as a firearms range, it includes a purpose-built “skills house” that provides a safe and realistic environment for officers to train for various scenarios such as building searches, armed arrests, and close-quarters tactics.
Commenting on how the new space had performed since it was opened, a spokesperson for the States police told the JEP: “The facility has fulfilled the objectives it was built for, enabling officers to train and qualify on-Island to national standards while reducing the need for off-Island travel.”
They continued: “In addition to firearms training, the tactical training centre has been used during the student officer training programme, which launched this year, for domestic abuse scenarios, search team training and firearms awareness training.
“The public order team has also used the facilities for method of entry and rapid entry training, demonstrating the wider operational benefits of the site across a number of policing disciplines.”
When it was opened, the States police noted that the space would also benefit “the wider shooting community” and competitors, as well as potentially being available to overseas law enforcement.
Asked whether there had been consideration of whether the facility could be used by other police forces to generate revenue, the spokesperson said: “Yes. States of Jersey Police is exploring opportunities to expand use of the facility in the future, including supporting approved local shooting clubs, partner organisations and potentially organisations from outside Jersey.”
They explained: “Any external use would need to align with operational requirements, but we are keen to ensure the facility remains sustainable, supports the wider shooting community and continues to contribute to the development of skills, knowledge and experience both on and off-Island.”
The range meets the requirements of JSP403 and the UK College of Policing firearms curriculum standards, which are recognised as best practice for firearms training.
