An island-wide recruitment campaign has been launched to encourage islanders to support their Parish by volunteering to serve in the Honorary Police. Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Deidre Mezbourian, Chairman of the Comité des Connétables and Constable of St Lawrence said:
“I am delighted to announce the launch of an island-wide recruitment campaign for the Honorary Police. They are an integral part of each Parish. The voluntary service they give is invaluable to us all whether that is within the Parish or at island events such as the Battle of Flowers. We are encouraging islanders to consider joining as they will make a positive difference for people in their Parish and in the wider community.”
A dedicated website, www.yourparishneedsyou.je has information and a wide range of short videos that islanders can watch to find out more about what is involved in the role. Current serving officers and States of Jersey Police talk about their experiences and discuss the value that the service gives to them personally and to the community. These videos will also be pushed out on Facebook and they can be found on the Honorary Police YouTube Channel.
Over the coming weeks, there will be pop-up stands at several locations across the island and special Parish drop in sessions for people who would like to find out more about the opportunities. Honorary Police officers will be giving out flyers and can be asked any questions about why they serve and what’s involved in the role. Roadside banners and posters will also be seen at key locations.
Centenier Danny Scaife, Chef de Police for St Helier said:
“Serving in the Honorary Police is a privilege and supports the parish and the criminal justice system. I would really encourage people to consider joining the Honorary Police. All officers receive the support they need for the role including regular training. We aim to make it achievable for people to volunteer and we don’t require them to give an excessive amount of time. We recognise that people have busy lives and other commitments.”
He continued: “We are asking businesses to consider supporting their staff to be able to serve. Every officer is able to broaden their skills in problem solving, decision making, team building, leadership and responsibility. These skills are all transferable to the workplace. Serving in the Honorary Police can therefore be an excellent opportunity for employers to support their staff with CSR programmes.”
There are several different roles in the Honorary Police and each person receives training to fulfil their role as a Centenier, Vingtenier or Constable’s Officer. Each officer is elected for a period of 3-years and is sworn-in by the Royal Court. In recent years there has been concern that vacancies remain unfilled, particularly in the ranks of Vingtenier and Constable’s Officer. Parishes are always on the look-out for those interested in joining and there are currently a number of vacancies across the island. A parish unable to fill the role of Centenier also risks being in contempt of the
Royal Court.
Facts to know:
- Islanders need to be aged between 20 and 69 to join the Honorary Police and they don’t need to be Jersey born but must have been resident in the island for at least 2 years.
- The Honorary Police are a diverse force and welcome all nationalities, groups and cultures.
- The service is an integral part of the criminal justice system.
