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WQ.391/2021
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS BY THE CONNÉTABLE OF ST. BRELADE
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 4th OCTOBER 2021 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 11th OCTOBER 2021
Question
Will the Minister explain to members what steps, if any, he has taken to ensure that the current vetting process for the recruitment of police officers to the Island (for officers or either U.K. or non-U.K. origin) is robust and one in which Islanders can have confidence?
Answer
The appalling murder of Sarah Everard in March 2021 by a serving Metropolitan Police Officer has focused attention on the vetting of Police Officers in Forces across the UK. The States of Jersey Police is monitoring very closely the developments in the UK associated with vetting and will adopt any emerging good practice.
The Chief of Police commissioned a peer review inspection of Counter Corruption measures within the States of Jersey Police in 2020. This was delayed due to Covid, but in August this year, two UK experts spent a week with the States of Jersey Police reviewing the organisation's Counter Corruption measures, including vetting.
The final report, including recommendations, was delivered last month and work is now under way to address these points. The experts are due to return to SOJP in April 2022 to review progress.
All Officers within the States of Jersey Police are thoroughly vetted before joining, including those transferring in from other Forces, as are all Police Staff and volunteers. Vetting is repeated every 10 years, and Officers are required to disclose any change in their circumstances in the intervening period.
The SOJP Vetting Unit complies with the College of Policing policy & procedure on Vetting of Officers & Staff, including UK Transferees, which incorporates counter corruption checks.