18 October 2021
The Justice and Home Affairs Department has submitted a planning application to build a new firearms range at Crabbe for the States of the Jersey Police (SoJP).
The police force maintains a firearms capability and has a number of Authorised Firearms Officers (AFOs) who are all trained and licensed to hold that position. To achieve and retain this status, AFOs must undergo rigorous training, refresher courses and other practices.
Should plans be approved, the Island will have a 50 metre range fully compliant with National Police Training requirements, and as such negate the need for off-island travel to achieve and maintain AFO status.
Minister for Home Affairs, Gregory Guida said: "In order for our police force to be able to best protect islanders, we must ensure they have access to the most suitable and highest quality of training resources. I am fully supportive of this application for a new States of Jersey Police range at Crabbe.
"The range will also promote Jersey's sporting interests by providing excellent facilities to the benefit of the wider shooting community, tourists and international competitors, as well as the Ministry of Defence by being able to train on the range which will meet their standards."
Sergeant Chris Thomas, Chief Firearms Instructor at SoJP added: "We very much welcome the proposals and plans to develop a new firearms range on the Island. We know that the best way to learn is through practical scenarios in conditions we would genuinely face; to have that resource available to us means we are in the best position we can be to carry out our duties and protect islanders."
The project team have thoroughly evaluated a range of different options and sites prior to submitting the planning application, which involved close liaison with key stakeholders.
The next stages in the process are as follows:
- Obtain planning approval
- Submit a building control application
- Issue and complete construction tender process and approval
- Commencement and completion of construction works.
To see full details of the planning application click here
gov.je