CREATING a clearer divide between politics and policing took a welcome step forward the week. As the States gave an initial nod to plans for a so-called Law Enforcement Commission, it was effectively agreeing in principle two things that will have a far-reaching significance for us all.
The aim of a commission would be to help protect the independence of our island police force and ensure the role of local policy-makers, namely the States, stays distinct from those at the operational sharp end.
It would also give us a modern and joined-up Customs body ‘fit for the 21st century’ under plans for a Border Control Agency reporting to the proposed commission.
The briefing to politicians in this month’s Billet d’Etat labours the point that there is no suggestion of any current interference from politicians in day-to-day policing.
Also, it makes it clear that our police and Customs, are held in ‘high esteem’.
The point was echoed in this newspaper’s Politics page on Monday, where Home Minister Geoff Mahy also stated there are no operational problems.
But while islanders have no reason to doubt this pledge - thanks, among other things, to independent reviews - greater transparency is no bad thing.
Also there is a clear need for our customs, and our police, (operating in some areas under legislation dating back to the 1920s) to work more closely and be properly equipped for the cross-border crime and challenges our island security faces today.
A growth in global crime, electronic communications and increased mobility of people, goods and information call for traditional methods to become increasingly sophisticated.
Things look set to move quickly with a more detailed report awaited and plans for a shadow commission already under way.
But there are still some big questions to be answered.
Will islanders have a say on who is appointed to run the independent body and - with ending duplication between police and customs agencies a stated priority - will local officer levels remain unaffected?
A force for the future
CREATING a clearer divide between politics and policing took a welcome step forward the week. As the States gave an initial nod to plans for a so-called Law Enforcement Commission, it was effectively agreeing in principle two things that will have a far-reaching significance for us all.
The aim of a commission would be to help protect the independence of our island police force and ensure the role of local policy-makers, namely the States, stays distinct from those at the operational sharp end.
It would also give us a modern and joined-up Customs body ‘fit for the 21st century’ under plans for a Border Control Agency reporting to the proposed commission.
The briefing to politicians in this month’s Billet d’Etat labours the point that there is no suggestion of any current interference from politicians in day-to-day policing.
Also, it makes it clear that our police and Customs, are held in ‘high esteem’.
The point was echoed in this newspaper’s Politics page on Monday, where Home Minister Geoff Mahy also stated there are no operational problems.
But while islanders have no reason to doubt this pledge - thanks, among other things, to independent reviews - greater transparency is no bad thing.
Also there is a clear need for our customs, and our police, (operating in some areas under legislation dating back to the 1920s) to work more closely and be properly equipped for the cross-border crime and challenges our island security faces today.
A growth in global crime, electronic communications and increased mobility of people, goods and information call for traditional methods to become increasingly sophisticated.
Things look set to move quickly with a more detailed report awaited and plans for a shadow commission already under way.
But there are still some big questions to be answered.
Will islanders have a say on who is appointed to run the independent body and - with ending duplication between police and customs agencies a stated priority - will local officer levels remain unaffected?
Article posted on 27th September, 2008 - 9.30am