Guernsey Police misconduct cases 'not rising'

The number of police disciplinary panels as well as misconduct and gross misconduct cases have "not materially risen" in the past 10 years, the States of Guernsey has said.

The Committee for Home Affairs (CHA), which shared the data following a Freedom of Information request (FOI), said it wanted to give "reassurance to people that may have concerns around police complaints".

The data showed 20 police disciplinary panels had been held in the past decade, with four, the most in one year, taking place in 2016.

Deputy Rob Prow said he hoped the figures showed "that serious wrongdoing in the police" was "a rare occurrence".

The data, provided by police, showed six police officers were charged for criminal offences over 10 years.

It revealed that no officer had been convicted of an offence that would amount to gross misconduct and been permitted to continue to serve as a police officer.

The data also showed fewer police officers faced misconduct and gross misconduct cases in 2024 compared to previous years, with just one case in each category.

The committee added its role was limited as the Independent Police Complaints Commission oversaw the police handling of complaints.

The CHA acts only as the appropriate authority for complaints against a superintendent rank or higher, it said.

Prow said: "Public confidence in policing is vital, and the review and reform of complaints legislation will be a key cornerstone of maintaining this.

"I urge the community to continue to have confidence in the police to discharge their duties well while this review is done as I know officers continue to work very hard to keep this Bailiwick safe and secure.

"This is evidenced through the approximately 13,700 calls for assistance from the public recorded annually by JESSC."

He added the new chief of police had given his full support on the review and made it clear he would "not accept wrongdoing now, or ever".

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