States of Jersey Police and Honorary Police Officers are to follow new regulations to ensure their behaviour meets required standards.
It follows an overhaul of Jersey's 'outdated' police complaints process, aimed at improving public trust in the forces.
Justice Minister Mary Le Hegarat says these measures represent a vital step in ensuring that the island's police complaints system is truly fit-for-purpose, fair, transparent and trusted by the public it serves.
"The focus is on resolving issues early and proportionally with an emphasis on learning and development, disciplinary decisions will be made fairly and objectively, recognising the unique role of police officers.
"The regulations will set out clearer, fairer and more open procedures in line with best practice across the British Isles."
Complaints about a police officer committing a criminal offence must be written to the Chief Officer, who will record it, preserve evidence, and tell his Deputy and the Complaints Commission.
The initial assessment of a complaint would be whether there has been misconduct, gross misconduct or neither.
If neither is found, the Deputy Chief Officer will then consider whether or not to take action.
However, if misconduct or gross misconduct is found, the complaint must be investigated.
Disciplinary options include written warnings, demotion, dismissal, and resignation.
As part of the reforms, the Deputy Chief Officer can suspend an officer if they are charged with a crime, reported for misconduct or receive a relevant complaint.
However, they may also handle complaints differently or take no action if:
- Complaints are made a year after the incident without a valid reason;
- It is a duplicate;
- It is anonymous;
- Vexatious, repetitious, oppressive or fanciful;
- Or, complaints were an investigation is impractical due to communication issues, a lack of cooperation, a time lapse, or an inability to locate people involved.
Other changes to the law include allowing islanders to complain about former police officers for something that happened while they were still serving.
People must complain within 12 months of the officer leaving the service.
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