Alderney's new police sergeant is planning to tackle the island's crime issues by interacting with the community.
Sgt James Priest (above left) arrived in the Channel Islands 11 days ago and started work on the same day as another new recruit, PC Andy Du Four (above right).
The pair spoke at length to the Journal about their reasons for relocating to Alderney and their plans for tackling crime in the island.
Sgt Priest, who has moved from Northern Ireland with his partner Sara, said islanders had reacted positively to his arrival.
"Since I arrived the reaction from everybody has been superb. I made a point of telling people what I'm here for and the response has been great so far."
And Sgt Priest, who worked in his home town of Sunderland and neighbouring Newcastle for 30 years before spending three months in Ulster, already feels settled in the northern isle.
"I've noticed that people here make a point of speaking to you, which is really good. I already think I've got a good feel for the place."
PC Du Four, who has moved to the Channel Islands from Blackpool with his fiancé Alex and one-year-old daughter Amelia, said: "Alderney's a lovely place. The atmosphere is great and I can't get over the friendliness of the people.
"This is a career and life move for me. In Blackpool if you make eye contact with someone they want to punch you ? here people say hello and are smiling.
"Alderney is a much more pleasant place to bring up a child and is similar to Lytham ? another place I have worked. Lytham also has a small community and I got to know everybody when I worked there. I much prefer the personal treatment and think it will be similar here ? though on an even smaller scale."
Sgt Priest, who takes over from Jeff Hill, said he had moved to Alderney for a challenge.
"I have taken the job because I love a challenge ? I like difficult tasks. It's totally different to what I am used to but I have a lot of experience and believe I'll adapt quickly."
Speaking to as many islanders as possible is Sgt Priest's immediate priority.
"I intend to speak to people and work with everybody, as I believe it's the right thing to do here. My aim is to make the police here be seen as part of the community and, eventually, create 'Team Alderney'. It's important we get the whole island working together."
Sgt Priest will also be looking for continued feedback from islanders.
"I'll be looking for feedback from as many people as possible. Everybody can have my email address and I intend to work closely with the media. I'm also looking at other ways in which I can get our message across."
PC Du Four said residents' concerns in Alderney are similar to those in England.
"Fundamentally the concerns aren't that different here ? though the extremes are taken away. Hopefully there won't be any murders or massive robberies.
"I am hoping everybody will communicate with us and tell us what they think needs looking at. We're hoping to build up a rapport with people here."
One of Sgt Priest's tasks is to reduce the amount of criminal damage in the island.
He said: "There's too much criminal damage here. More than 60 cases were recorded last year, which averages out at more than one a week. The damage it does to people's property is bad enough but these incidents also have a major impact on those affected, such as the elderly, and make them feel unsafe."
Building up relationships with youngsters in the island is just one of Sgt Priest's strategies for tackling the number of cases of criminal damage.
"We'll get into the schools and build up relationships," said Sgt Priest.
"We'll also get involved in organised youth activities, look at the information we receive and come up with the best strategy for the island."
Sgt Priest went on to list his dislikes.
"My pet hates are litter, anti-social behaviour and bad manners. My main message to youngsters will be that we have a beautiful island here, so let's respect it."
Sgt Priest said he appreciated that people are reassured when they see policemen walking the streets.
"People prefer to see policemen on the beat. I have worked on some hard council estates and even there the fact you're on foot makes such a difference. Here we can put people out on the beat and we intend to do that as much as possible."
PC Du Four's arrival means Alderney now has five policemen, including SC Paul Maurice, who deals with road traffic matters.
Sgt Priest believes the expanded team offers increased flexibility.
He said: "Another thing we're going to look at is police presence. The team is very flexible now and I feel we have the resources in place to respond."
As for the immediate future, PC Du Four is eager to get out on the beat.
He said: "I'm really looking forward to getting out on the streets and meeting as many different people as possible.
"I love being a police officer. I would be one whether I lived in the Bronx in New York or in Sark."
While PC Du Four has a contract to stay in Alderney for five years, Sgt Priest says he is here indefinitely.
"I'm here for the foreseeable," said Sgt Priest. "Getting here has involved a long process but I persisted because I wanted a change of lifestyle."
The Guernsey Bereavement Service has made three visits to Alderney over the past few months and would like to continue to help you. We are visiting the island again on
Tuesday, 23rd February 2024 and would invite anyone who feels they would like Bereavement Counselling to telephone the Bereavement Service Office on 257778 to make a time to meet one of our counsellors.
The Guernsey Bereavement Service has made three visits to Alderney over the past few months and would like to continue to help you. We are visiting the island again on
Tuesday, 23rd February 2024 and would invite anyone who feels they would like Bereavement Counselling to telephone the Bereavement Service Office on 257778 to make a time to meet one of our counsellors. 