On-island training 'could attract police recruits'

Training for new officers has moved to Jersey which should encourage more people to join, the island's police force has said.

Previously, student officers had to do ten weeks of training in Norfolk before completing a three-week course in Jersey on local law and procedures.

The force said moving the entire 17 weeks of introductory training to Jersey would save £150,000 a year.

Paul Smith, force development manager for the States of Jersey Police, said he hoped the change would encourage a wider range of applicants.

He said for some applicants, committing to ten weeks of training in the UK was "preventative".

Mr Smith said the change would make the training specific to Jersey and give the force greater control over what they teach, adding it would be accredited by the UK College of Policing.

"By having the all the training from start to finish in the first two years on-island it enables us to be really specific around islanders' needs," he said.

Smith also said annual public and personal safety training for all police officers had expanded from one day to two days and the scenario-based training would also be delivered in Jersey by local trainers.

The force has launched its recruitment campaign for this year and interested applicants can attend events on 12 and 15 March at Police HQ.

"If you want to serve the island and be the best you can be for your localised force, now is your opportunity," Mr Smith added.

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