THE States police are to buy more guns this year so they can be ready to defend the Island from terrorists.

The proposal to extend the force’s arsenal is contained in the policing plan for 2004.It states: ‘The enhanced security measures required at Jersey ports since 9/11 has required a permanent diversion of resources into this area.’It has also necessitated an increase in our firearms capability to ensure that an adequate and sustained response can be deployed to secure our port and airport at short notice in the event of an enhanced threat level.’Police chief Graham Power said that the force would be buying more of the same types of weapons as it already owned and would follow the lead of UK forces in deciding what armaments to obtain.In other areas of policing, Mr Power said that a fresh look at several issues was required if the Island was going to make further progress in bringing down crime levels.He said, for example, that pub and club closing times had to be staggered if politicians were serious about creating safer and more peaceful streets.That reappraisal will require the force to work with other States departments and agencies as part of what is being called ‘problem solving policing’.With regard to speeding, ‘problem solving’ would mean more traffic calming and fewer speed traps.In a JEP interview, he adds: ‘You cannot solve problems by throwing policemen at them.

There are only so many of them to be had.’We are almost at the limit of what the police can achieve alone.

We have been putting out feelers to establish a dialogue about more holistic solutions to these things.’However, he said that the going was not easy, adding: ‘Anyone trying to achieve anything in Jersey that cuts across more than one department has their hands full.

That is just how the Island works.’