Guernsey Police offers the same opportunities as any force in the UK mainland, but with benefits that go beyond the idyllic backdrop and community feel of island life in the Bailiwick.

The force’s Head of Law Enforcement, Ruari Hardy, moved from the Metropolitan Police 21 years ago and hasn’t looked back.

“It’s a move I have never professionally or personally regretted – the work/life balance is exceptional,” he told Police Oracle.

A workforce of about 140 officers – alongside police staff – are responsible for the island as well as neighboring smaller islands of Alderney, Herm and Sark.

The Head of Law Enforcement, who is also the Chief of Police, wants to bring the officer cohort up to 150 through recruiting constables and sergeants who buy into what is a “unique” working experience.

“Guernsey is a unique police force to work in due to its size and environment. There’s the opportunity to make a difference in the community that you live in, and a real focus on your policing style suiting that community.”

Though modest in size, he stresses that “we do identical work to the UK forces” in terms of prioritising areas of national importance such as violent crime, VAWG roads policing and public protection.

On many operational matters there’s a “real synergy” with the other UK forces, while Guernsey Police also has close ties with the College of Policing as the force adopts Authorised Professional Practice (APP) where possible.

Community Policing is one aspect of the force’s culture, a long-term commitment to its officers and staff is another.

“There is the opportunity for specialism and promotion; we encourage officers of all ranks to have specialisms…so not only is there an opportunity to come and do a job you love, but there is also the chance to join an organisation that will invest in you and your individual skill set.”

The ability to travel from “beat to beach” in quick time is undoubtedly a big pull, but ultimately it’s about what Guernsey Police can offer – including financial differences from UK salary scales.

Pay scales for 2023/24 have now been released and the force does not follow UK pay bands.

From January 1, 2024, constables with three years’ service will earn £43,577 a year while those with ten years’ experience will command a salary of £54,445. Newly-promoted sergeants will start at this latter pay point, earning £61,119 by year four.

Constables and sergeants who have been at those upper pay points for a year will have access to the annual competence related threshold payment of £1,788.

For more information visit https://www.rsr.ltd/red-snapper-recruitment-guernsey/