Honorary Police

Honorary Police officers have, for centuries, been elected by parishioners to assist the connétable of the parish to maintain law and order.

However, in the early part of the 19th century, crime was widespread among the urban population in Saint Helier (around 25,000 people) and paid police officers for the Parish of Saint Helier were appointed in 1853 and their remit was later extended to serve the whole island as the States of Jersey Police (SOJP).

However, in the early part of the 19th century, crime was widespread among the urban population in Saint Helier (around 25,000 people) and paid police officers for the Parish of Saint Helier were appointed in 1853 and their remit was later extended to serve the whole island as the States of Jersey Police (SOJP).

Anyone standing for election as a member of the Honorary Police will have to undergo a criminal record check.

In addition to general policing matters, the centenier remains the only officer entitled to charge and bail offenders.

The centenier presides at parish hall enquiries and acts as prosecuting officer before the Magistrate's Court.

Centeniers are, if a person admits to an offence, able to give a written caution, a fined or charged to Court.

Separate Enquiries are held for youth offences, where Centeniers will try and resolve the situation without the need for the young offender to attend Court, and therefore diverting them from obtaining a criminal record whenever possible.

If the person does not admit to an offence the Charge is still placed by the Centenier, but the case is handled in Court by a member of the Law Officers Department.

The Attorney General of Jersey also has the role of the titular head of the island's Honorary Police force.