Mr Robin Smith is appointed as the new Chief Officer for States of Jersey Police
The Home Affairs Minister has today announced the new Chief of Police for Jersey.
Robin Smith was appointed following a competitive recruitment exercise which was open to candidates in Jersey and from overseas.
Mr Smith will be responsible for overseeing the States of Jersey Police Force and in providing critical leadership in protecting the public, preventing crime and building public trust in Police services.
He is a chief police officer with more than 30 years’ experience in several executive positions and has significant operational and organisational experience, including counter terrorism, firearms command, public order, public protection and safeguarding. He has experience in leading and delivering major transformational change programmes to drive efficiencies, increase value for money and improve services.
Formerly Temporary/Deputy Chief Constable of the Sussex and Surrey Police, he was responsible for day-to-day policing, including corporate development, professional standards, anti-corruption and corporate communications. Mr Smith is currently Assistant Chief Constable for the British Transport Police, and was a Senior Commander for the Manchester Arena and London Bridge terrorist attacks and the Croydon tram crash.
Minister for Home Affairs, Constable Len Norman, said: “I am pleased to announce Robin Smith’s appointment following a rigorous recruitment process. He has exceptional leadership and operational experience and will be vital in delivering the vision for the States of Jersey Police and formulating succession plans and developing the current senior leadership team.
“The Chief of Police is a vital role at the very heart of Jersey’s community and is integral for the protection of all Islanders, especially the most vulnerable, including children and victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence. I look forward to working closely with him.”
Dr Jason Lane, Chairman of the Jersey Police Authority, said: “Robin brings substantial command experience from Surrey, Sussex and the British Transport Police in driving and delivering change programmes. His experience as operational commander for the Manchester Arena bombing, among other high-profile incidents, is testimony to his skills and reputation. I have no doubt that this appointment will drive the force forward, building on the impressive work already achieved in delivering improved services to the public.”
Robin Smith added: “I am delighted to be appointed as Jersey’s new Chief of Police. It’s a privilege to be given the responsibility to lead the men and women of States of Jersey Police.
“I’m looking forward to working with senior colleagues across the Government of Jersey, the Honorary Police, with partner agencies and the public to keep Jersey safe and in creating a just and fair society for all Islanders. That will be my priority and I can’t wait to get started.”
The process to appoint the new Chief of Police was overseen by the Jersey Appointments Commission, with the Chair of the Commission, Dame Janet Paraskeva chairing the full end-to-end process.