WITH a degree of ease that would have been impressive in most circumstances but was almost embarrassing given the history of the issue, the States agreed yesterday that Jersey should have an independent police authority.

This decision was first taken in principle in 1998, but the 12 years since then have been marked by inactivity, or even paralysis, on the police authority front. Everyone concerned seems to have agreed that an authority was desirable – indeed necessary – but there was little sign of progress. At one point the ridiculous idea was advanced that the whole matter was on hold because no suitable chairman could be identified.

We now have Senator Alan Breckon to thank for ensuring that the ball has begun rolling again. It was his proposition that Members considered and so quickly adopted, though its key aim has the full support of Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand.
It seems that Senator Le Marquand has been keen to see the creation of an authority since becoming the minister with responsibility for policing. However, the present tangle of disciplinary procedures – including the suspension of police chief Graham Power – stayed his hand, leading to further delay.

Home Affairs now have until December to come up with a plan for fleshing out the new in-principle decision. Encouragingly, we are told that Senator Le Marquand is confident that this deadline can be met.

It was, meanwhile, clear in the House that Members felt little need to hear the arguments in favour of a police authority restated. Had those arguments been advanced, it would have been pointed out that a properly constituted authority acts as a buffer between the police and political oversight, which, in theory at least, can be intrusive and subject to the whims, preoccupations and prejudices of elected representatives.

It is, of course, possible that the police will be wondering how comprehensive authority supervision is likely to be and what powers the authority is likely to have. In the UK powers extend to hiring and firing senior officers, as well as dealing with complaints and monitoring performance.

This might appear to be daunting from the point of view of the force, but it is right and proper that it is held accountable by some truly independent body.
Provided that a formula can be found which ensures that such an authority can be fully representative of the electorate’s legitimate requirements, the force will be better placed to affirm one of their proudest claims – that they police this community with the consent and widespread support of its people.