Letter - Chief Officer of SoJP re Firearms Certificates and Honorary Police - 27 May 2025

States Greffe

Robin Smith

Chief Officer, States of Jersey Police

BY EMAIL 27th May 2025

Dear Chief Officer

Parishes and Government Review Panel – Scope of Review

I am writing to inform you that a Scrutiny Review Panel has been established to examine the relationship between the Parishes and the Government of Jersey. The primary focus of the review is  to  evaluate  how  effectively  the  Parishes  and  the  Government  collaborate  in  delivering community services and in implementing shared key strategies and policies.

The Panel comprises myself as Chair, Deputy Catherine Curtis as Vice-Chair, Deputy Kristina Moore as a member, and Connétable Richard Honeycombe as a member. We have agreed Terms of Reference to guide our review, which are appended to this letter (Appendix 1).

As you will see in the Terms of Reference, part of the Panel's remit includes consideration of the Honorary Police system and the issuing of Firearms Certificates. We would welcome your responses to a number of questions on each of these topics, submitted on behalf of the States of Jersey Police. These questions are appended to this letter for your reference (Appendix 2).

We appreciate that the number of questions is substantial. However, your responses will play an important role in informing the Panel's review and subsequent findings. We would be grateful to receive your responses by 30th June 2025. If more time is needed, please do not hesitate to request an extension the Panel would be happy to accommodate this.

Separately, I also intend to write to Inspector David Turnbull, Head of the Community Policing Team, with a view to arranging a meeting to discuss the Panel's work and to better understand how the Community Policing Team engages with the Parishes and the Honorary Police.

Thank you in advance for your engagement with this review. Should you have any questions or require further clarification, please feel free to get in touch.

Yours sincerely

Deputy Helen Miles

Chair

Parishes and Government Review Panel

CC –  Minister for Justice and Home Affairs

Parishes and Government Review Panel - Terms of Reference

1. To examine and document the current relationship between the civic functions and services provided by the parish and government administration.
2. To consider how the government and parishes work collaboratively to deliver timely and effective community services. This includes but is not limited to:

1. Refuse and Recycling
2. Parks and Gardens
3. Play spaces
4. Honorary Policing

3. To explore the ways in which government engages and interacts with the parishes in order to deliver on its key strategies and policies (i.e. putting children first, carbon neutral roadmap, community safety, health prevention, reducing bureaucracy).
4. To review the administrative functions currently being delivered by the parishes and to consider whether different mechanisms might be needed to meet modern requirements for satisfactory interaction with relevant government functions. This will include but is not limited to:

1. Firearms certificates
2. Alcohol licensing
3. Administration and policing of roads, parks and beaches
4. Role of parish in the planning application process

5. To understand how the current system of rates operates and is being applied. To assess whether there is a role for the government in ensuring that each parish applies a transparent and sustainable model and a common methodology which acts in the best interests of all islanders.

Questions – Firearms Certificates

1. What is the role of the States of Jersey Police in the firearm certification process, and how do you work with the Connétable s of the parishes?
2. Do the States of Jersey Police conduct background checks or investigations on applicants before a firearm certificate is issued? If so, what criteria are used?
3. How do you ensure that the firearm certification process is being conducted lawfully and in compliance with public safety standards?
4. Are there specific protocols in place for reviewing an applicant's criminal history or mental health background?
5. What information do the States of Jersey Police provide to the Connétable s to support their decision-making when issuing a firearm certificate?
6. Is there a formal procedure for the States of Jersey Police to assess the security of firearm storage once a certificate is issued?
7. How do the States of Jersey Police and the Connétable s coordinate in the ongoing monitoring of firearm certificate holders (e.g. regular checks or spot inspections)?
8. Are there any joint operations or information-sharing protocols in place to ensure that firearms are not being misused or illegally held?
9. What happens if the States of Jersey Police receive information that a firearm certificate holder may be in breach of their conditions or laws? How do you coordinate with the Connétable s to take action?
10. How does communication flow between the Connétable s and the States of Jersey Police when it comes to revoking, suspending, or refusing firearm certificates?
11. Does the States of Jersey Police have a role in ensuring consistency and uniformity in the way firearm certificates are managed across different parishes?
12. Are there any risk management strategies in place to ensure that firearms held under certificate do not pose a threat to public safety?
13. Are there any recent examples or case studies where the States of Jersey Police had to intervene in a firearm-related incident involving a certificate holder? What actions were taken?
14. What safeguards are in place to prevent misuse or criminal activity by firearm certificate holders?
15. How does the States of Jersey Police ensure the safe storage and handling of firearms by certificate holders, especially in cases of people who may be considered at risk (e.g. mental health concerns)?

16. Do the States of Jersey Police coordinate with other authorities (e.g. health services, social services) in ensuring that applicants are fit to hold a firearm certificate?
17. What is the process for the public to report concerns about a firearm certificate holder, and how do the States of Jersey Police respond?
18. Under what circumstances would the States of Jersey Police recommend the revocation or suspension of a firearm certificate issued by the Connétable s?
19. How does the States of Jersey Police ensure that revoked or suspended certificates are effectively enforced and that firearms are recovered in a timely manner?
20. What steps are taken if a certificate holder's mental health, behaviour, or legal standing changes after their certificate is issued?
21. How does the States of Jersey Police promote responsible firearm ownership within the community?
22. Are there any public awareness campaigns or outreach programs designed to educate the public about the risks of firearm ownership and how to report potential issues?
23. How do the States of Jersey Police handle exceptional or high-risk cases, such as individuals with a history of violence or mental health issues, when they apply for a firearm certificate?
24. In cases where there is public concern about a specific firearm certificate holder, what role do the States of Jersey Police play in addressing those concerns?

Questions – Honorary Police system

1. How do the States of Jersey Police and the Honorary Police collaborate on law enforcement activities?
2. How do the two forces communicate and coordinate on community policing efforts, events, or public safety initiatives?
3. What type of training do Honorary Police officers receive from the States of Jersey Police, and how does it differ from the training of full-time officers?
4. How do you ensure that Honorary Police officers are trained to the same standards as regular police officers?
5. Are there regular refresher or continued training sessions for Honorary Police officers, and how do you support their ongoing professional development?
6. Does the States of Jersey Police support the Honorary Police in terms of access to resources, equipment, and knowledge?

7. Do Honorary Police officers have access to the same systems, databases, and tools as regular officers when performing their duties?
8. Are the actions of Honorary Police officers monitored or supervised by the States of Jersey Police to ensure they are complying with legal and professional standards?
9. Do you believe the current Honorary Police system is sustainable, and if not, what changes or improvements do you think are necessary?
10. Are there any areas of policing where the Honorary Police could play a more active or enhanced role in collaboration with the States of Jersey Police?
11. What additional support or resources do you believe the States of Jersey Police could offer the Honorary Police to help them fulfil their duties more effectively?
12. How do the States of Jersey Police perceive the role of the Honorary Police in community policing and maintaining public safety?
13. How are the costs for resources such as uniforms, equipment, vehicles, and technology for the Honorary Police managed? Does the States of Jersey Police contribute to these costs, or is it solely the responsibility of the parishes?
14. Do the States of Jersey Police provide funding or grants to individual parishes to help support the Honorary Police?
15. Is there a standard budget or financial contribution allocated by the States of Jersey Police to the Honorary Police, or is it managed independently by each parish?
16. Who finances the training programs for Honorary Police officers? Does the States of Jersey Police provide funding for their training, or is this entirely handled by the parishes?
17. Does the States of Jersey Police provide any resources or equipment to the Honorary Police, such as access to police databases, communications systems, or vehicles?
18. Given the voluntary nature of the Honorary Police, how does the States of Jersey Police view the long-term financial sustainability of the system? Should there be more financial support from the States to ensure its sustainability?
19. Does the States of Jersey Police see any financial or operational challenges arising from the reliance on volunteer officers, and how can these challenges be addressed?
20. Do the States of Jersey Police believe that additional financial support from the central government might help improve the effectiveness and sustainability of the Honorary Police system, particularly in terms of resources and training?
21. How is the financial oversight of the Honorary Police system handled, particularly in relation to the allocation of funds for their equipment, training, and operational costs?
22. How are budget decisions for the Honorary Police made within the parishes, and does the States of Jersey Police have any involvement or input in this process?

23. Is there a mechanism for the States of Jersey Police to coordinate with the parishes on the financial needs of the Honorary Police, such as anticipating future equipment upgrades or training needs?
24. Does the States of Jersey Police have any role in advocating for the allocation of additional funds to support the Honorary Police, particularly if there are budget constraints at the parish level?