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WQ.206/2025
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS
BY THE CONNÉTABLE OF ST. MARTIN
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 12th MAY 2025
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 19th MAY 2025
Question
"In relation to accountability and transparency in operational governance and conduct within the States of Jersey Police, will the Minister –
- explain why serious complaints regarding officer misconduct and systemic failings raised more than 3 years ago and upheld by an external review completed 18 months ago, remain unresolved;
- clarify why no public statement has been made regarding breaches in data protection regulation relating to the loss of evidence;
- explain why, unlike the UK police conduct system, former police officers cannot be held accountable for misconduct committed whilst serving; misconduct hearings are not open to the public, and complainants receive only a generic response stating whether their complaint was reviewed to a "satisfactory standard", with no obligation to provide further explanation or detail on the findings;
- make a commitment to those with ongoing complaints that these are resolved promptly with sufficient transparency and accountability; and
- explain how she intends to ensure complaints are dealt with in line with the Government's obligations under Articles 8 and 13 of the Human Rights Convention, protecting the right to a private life and effective remedy?"
Answer
(a) explain why serious complaints regarding officer misconduct and systemic failings raised more than 3 years ago and upheld by an external review completed 18 months ago, remain unresolved;
The Connétable 's question may relate to an ongoing complaint of which I am aware. Given the complaint is ongoing, I do not consider it would appropriate to comment on the specifics.
Complaints against Police Officers are dealt with in accordance with the relevant legislation. For officers other than the Chief Officer and Deputy Chief Officer the Police (Complaints and Discipline) (Jersey) Law 1999 and the Police (Complaints and Discipline Procedure) (Jersey) Order 2000 applies, and for the Chief Officer or Deputy Chief Officer the States of Jersey Police Force (Chief Officer and Deputy Chief Officer) (Jersey) Regulations 2017 apply.
Complaints are required to be dealt with effectively giving regard for all those affected by the complaint, including the States of Jersey Police. Occasionally, when cases are sub judice or require complex investigation, the required amount of time and consideration needs to be taken to ensure equity and fairness to all parties. This may mean a longer timeframe than the ideal. The important task is to manage expectations and to this end regular communication is key.