Wednesday 18 September 2019
Justice Policy has been identified as one of the States of Guernsey's policy priorities.
The Committee for Home Affairs ("the Committee") will be submitting a report to the States of Deliberation by the end of this year for consideration in early 2020 outlining proposals for future Justice Policy. The Committee, in partnership with the Policy and Resources Committee have appointed Gemma Buckland, Director of UK consultancy service Do It Justice, to lead an independent review of Guernsey's justice policy.
Ms Buckland is an experienced policy analyst and criminologist who until recently worked at the UK Justice Committee. Her work will be supported by specialist crime and justice consultancy Crest Advisory.
The Review of Justice Policy focuses on the core criminal justice institutions and their functions which have been defined as those agencies and processes established to: stop unlawful behaviour; impose penalties on those who break the law and rehabilitating offenders.
Identifying these organisation as central to the criminal justice system in no way diminishes the roles and responsibilities of other agencies and processes which are fundamental to the delivery of successful justice policy. The Review will recognise the relationship and interdependencies between the two to ensure that the justice roadmap delivers in partnership with social policy initiatives.
The Review therefore takes a broad view of justice policy, reflecting the Bailiwick of Guernsey's commitment to inclusion, equality of opportunity, and social justice from birth and through adult life.
The project began in April this year and the Review team has engaged with key justice agencies in the criminal justice and family justice system, including Bailiwick Law Enforcement, the Courts, Probation, Prison, Youth Justice, the Children's Convenor and the Family Proceedings Advisory Service. The team has also held workshops with representatives of these agencies, voluntary sector organisations, and other States agencies including health and children's services.
The Survey will build on the results of the Committee for Home Affairs' Crime & Justice Survey, which is undertaken biennially. The objective of this Justice Survey is to look widely at justice in the Bailiwick, this includes the criminal and family justice systems and seeks to explore where there may be links with social policy. ,
Gemma Buckland, Justice Review Consultant, said:
"I am really pleased to have been invited to conduct this review, it's an opportunity for the community to give their views on the current system and to suggest the direction of travel going forwards. I understand from the discussions I have had with people already that there are many areas where people want to see change and this is their opportunity to tell us so that the community can work towards a more inclusive approach to justice."
"As well as hearing from the general public, I'm really keen to hear from young people and those with experience of the system whether as professionals working within agencies, both justice agencies and other agencies who may be dealing with the after effects of crime or family breakdown."
The survey is open from today, Wednesday 18 September and closes on Friday 25 October 2019 and is available online at www.gov.gg/justicesurvey
The Survey is available in paper format at the following locations and on request via homeaffairs@gov.gg or by calling the Office for Home Affairs on 717353.
- Sir Charles Frossard House
- Edward T Wheadon House
- The Royal Court
- Parish Constables Offices
- Guernsey Police Headquarters
- Guille Alles Library
- Beau Sejour
- The Hub
Any completed forms should be returned to Sir Charles Frossard House and should be clearly marked "Justice Review Return".
