The appropriate authority will be senior police officers, but if complaints against them are made the power lies with the political members of Home Affairs. 

But the independent panel – the Police Complaints Commission – must agree with this assessment.  It will have the power to order an investigation even if police or Home say one isn’t warranted. 

Deputies St Pier and Meerveld have lodged their Motion to Annul against this new system, with the States due to debate it next week.

Through the Motion to Annul they - and others - will be able to express any concerns they have with the new system.

It will also give the President of Home Affairs, Deputy Rob Prow - and other supporters - the chance to defend the new system, and explain why they think it will benefit the island, the police force, and the public. 

Pictured: Deputy Rob Prow.

Deputy Prow had previously labelled the police complaints process “not fit for purpose”, with the independent Police Complaints Commission calling for more powers to investigate. 

Home has since embarked on a review of the system which will include how complaints and conduct are dealt with, but also standards in service delivery. 

That is being carried out by DI Dave McCaughrean, who has been in the police for more than 35 years and is due to receive his King's Police Medal for 'distinguished service'.

“It must be open, transparent and fair," said DI McCaughrean, when he was in Guernsey last month.

"Fair for the complainant, so that they get an outcome, whether it's one they want or not, but that it's been investigated. Fair for the officers, so they're being treated fairly and openly, as you would do if you're an employee, but also fair for communities, so that the community and the Bailiwick know that there is a really open, transparent, robust system that actually holds officers to account.”