Honorary policing is a voluntary service that has been part of Jersey life for hundreds of years. The role of the honorary police in each parish is to maintain law and order and to ensure a safe environment for all. Centeniers, Vingteniers and Constables make up the honorary police force.
Why are the honorary police important to the community?
The honorary police do more than road checks, attend road accidents and police public events. They also undertake a variety of other duties and can provide help, advice and solutions in many situations of minor nature where a formal investigation by the police may not be required.
What duties do the honorary police undertake?
The tasks are very varied and can include the following:
- foot and mobile patrols
- undertaking speed and road checks
- undertaking licence premises and curfew checks
- assisting with searches for “missing persons”
- assisting with policing major events
- Centeniers undertaking Parish Hall Enquiries
- assisting and co-operating with colleagues from the States of Jersey Police
- charging individuals at police headquarters (Centeniers only)
- Centeniers taking cases to the Magistrate's Court
Do the honorary police take part in training?
Training is essential and a range of courses are available to ensure an officer is able to carry out his / her duties. Honorary police officers are required to complete a basic foundation course and first aid course. Once the foundation course has been completed there are a number of additional courses which can be undertaken as well as ongoing training courses for all the officers.
How do I become an honorary police officer?
Outlined below is the parish procedure that you follow to become an honorary police officer. Note that each parish may undertake the process slightly differently.
- contact your parish via the public hall or visit the Jersey Honorary Police website
- there may be an initial discussion with the Chef de Police / Recruitment Committee
- complete paperwork and submit to your parish
- interview with Constable and the Chef de Police / Recruitment Committee
- nomination or election is made at the Parish Assembly
- attend the Royal Court of Jersey to take Oath of Office
- parochial induction
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