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100 years ago today, Guernsey Police was officially founded, so today the island force has celebrated, but not in the way that had been planned.
Like every individual or organisation marking a milestone anniversary, there were a number of plans to celebrate the occasion, including the visit of the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Cressida Dick, with a parade of current and former police officers ahead of a service of celebration.
Instead, on duty officers have been deployed across the island, checking everyone is safely adhering to the lockdown measures imposed as part of the fight against corona virus.
Those not on duty would have been at home themselves, regularly washing their hands among other activities.
Above: Guernsey Police have been using social media regularly during the lockdown to remind people of the lockdown rules, and to wash their hands.
The island police force has been at the centre of all community issues for more than 100 years, despite its official founding date being 10 April 1920.
The force's history dates back to the Roman era, with more formal policing coming in during the 1800s.
You can read more about the history of Guernsey Police HERE.
Above: Head of Law Enforcement, Ruari Hardy.
In recent years, Guernsey Police and Guernsey Border Agency were merged, with Ruari Hardy the current Chief Officer and Head of Law Enforcement for the Bailiwick.
He issued a statement (above) to the islands today, thanking all those who have served as part of the island police force, which was founded in 1920, with the then-Parish Constables joining together to form one organisation.
Having previously had to police the island during times of war, through murder investigators, drug busts and fatal road accidents, along with 'lighter incidents' including missing cushions, and a cat who had taken up resident in a town pub, Guernsey Police are currently at the centre of efforts to manage the community response to the corona virus pandemic.
New powers have been given so fines can be issued to anyone flouting the lockdown, but Chief Officer Hardy said so far they are succeeding at keeping the island safe.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who has served as part of this phenomenal organisation, to those who have served as officers and those who have served as part of our support staff, who keep the organisation running, a massive thank you to you all.
"To those who currently serve, we find ourselves in unprecedented circumstances during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"100 years ago the world was coming to terms with the pandemic of the Spanish Flu and there is a slight irony to the situation we find ourselves in now – but the Island Police is here to keep our community safe and to work with our partners on the island to protect all our population."
Pictured: A former, and the current Guernsey Police stations.
The planned celebrations for the 100th anniversary of Guernsey Police are likely to be staged later this year, he said.
"On this day of celebration we have had to change some of our plans, and we hope that these will take place in due course, either later this year or possibly during 2021.
"However, to everybody now, I would like to wish you the best for this Easter and also to remind you to stay safe, stay at home and comply with the guidance given by public health as it is so important that we do everything we can to protect our PEH and save lives."
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