Special Constables
It is unclear precisely when Special Constables were first employed in the Island, although it most likely dates back to the statutes of 1673. It is, however, doubtful if, at that early stage, they were enrolled very often since even in the United Kingdom it has been said that the Law may as well have remained unprinted for what little use was made of it. This would seem to have been the situation in Jersey as well if contemporary local chronicles are a fair guide.
In 1831 the "Special Constables Act" became law in the United Kingdom and, combined with other legislation, defined what constituted a Special Constable and his powers. In general terms it authorised Justices of the Peace, being of the opinion that ordinary Police Officers were not sufficient to preserve the peace and protect the inhabitants and their property, to nominate and appoint as many Special Constables as they thought fit from among the householders and other persons residing in the locality.
Whether this Act had any influence on the use of Special Constables in Jersey is unclear. Although the report of the Royal Commissioners of 1847 mentions the availability of Special Constables, extensive research has to date failed to find any similar local act being adopted. Nonetheless history gives every indication of Special Constables being used in the Island long before that date.
The first firm and direct reference to the appointment of Special Constables is found in a public notice dated 1st September 1846 entitled "Regulations to be observed in the Island during the visit of Queen Victoria".
"The Constable of St. Helier will give the recommended directions so as to cause these regulations to be strictly observed in the Parish and be authorised to call upon respectable individuals to act as Special Constables to assist the Police, to whom he shall indicate the special badge to be worn by them on the occasion."
Signed: E. Gibbs. Maj. Gen. Lt. Gov.
J.De Veulle Bailiff
This public notice is not only a clear indication that Special Constables were employed locally by that date but that they also wore a "distinctive badge" to identify their authority. It is worthy of note that the authority for the appointment of Special Constables was signed by the Lieutenant Governor and Bailiff and did not rest with the Connétable.
Bread Riots 1847
The causes and events which led to what became known as the "bread riots" in 1847 are beyond the scope of this document. Suffice to say that, due to the short-sighted policy of the States in allowing substantial increases in the price of bread and withdrawing subsidised bread intended for the poor, local discontent overflowed into violent disorder. This disorder manifested itself initially in attacks upon ships in St. Helier Harbour while the Honorary Police stood helplessly by, and culminated in a mob, estimated as being 1,000 strong, marching through the town their objective being the Town Mill and flour store.
In response, the Royal Court ordered that Special Constables were to be sworn in that evening. As events turned out they were not needed. Although the Town Mill was stormed, order was restored with the timely appearance of the British regiment stationed in the Island, assisted by the Honorary Police. This event indicates, however, that Special Constables could be enrolled and deployed at times of necessity.
Golden Jubilee 1887
As with her visit of 1846, Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee of 1887 necessitated the swearing in of Special Constables who were deployed during the various events staged to celebrate the "Glorious Reign". The marshalling of some 5,700 schoolchildren in the Parade Gardens together with a number of bands created a specific policing need but, as a local periodical of the time reported, "Centenier Binet and four Special Constables ensured that the route was kept clear".
Special Constables continued to be deployed in support of the Honorary and Paid Police during the Diamond Jubilee in 1897, the Coronation celebrations in 1902 and 1911, and the visit of King George V in 1921.
Royal Visit 1921
Due to the amount of readily available information, this visit is of particular interest when considering the deployment of Special Constables.
Extensive arrangements were made for the visit of the monarch, and the "Morning News" of 13th July 1921 listed by name every member of the Honorary Police, Paid Police and Special Constables involved in the policing of the event. This listing gave, for the first time, an indication of the extent to which Special Constables were involved, with no fewer than 530 of them being deployed along the Royal route. Each officer wore a distinctive badge of office and subsequently received a certificate of service as a token of thanks.
Coronation 1937
Royal celebrations in 1937 again required additional police resources to police the various events which included carnivals and pageants. An interesting booklet issued by the Parish of St. Helier entitled "Coronation Day, Wednesday, 12th May, 1937, Traffic Regulations", defines the duties of the Honorary Police - Paid Police and also Special Constables.
German Occupation 1940 - 1945
Current research has failed to identify any deployment of Special Constables during the years of German occupation. However, in 1943, authority was given by the Germans for the formation of "Special Parish Patrols" for night duty. Each Parish having to provide up to 20 responsible male persons for this purpose.
In addition to the Special Parish Patrols, the problems of local crime resulted in the bringing into force of the "Auxiliary Paid Police Force (Jersey) Regulations, 1944" (States of Jersey). These regulations empowered the Police Committee to appoint not more than 40 men to serve with the Paid Police Force as Auxiliary Police Constables. A service for which they were to receive payment. The only known distinctive mark of identification or office worn by these auxiliary officers was a police duty band worn over civilian clothing.
Although not Special Constables per se, the auxiliary officers were a form of police reserve worthy of mention. They were, as far as can be established, disbanded some time after the Liberation of the Island in 1945.
Royal Visit 1945
Following the liberation of the Channel Islands from the occupying forces in May 1945, King George VI was anxious to visit the islands. An event fully chronicled in the Jersey Evening Post dated 8th June that year.
One paragraph contained in that report is of particular interest, referring as it does to "the local police (Honorary and Paid) Special Constables, Auxiliary Police and Military Police combining well to keep crowds from encroaching on to the royal route".
This report identifies a most unusual situation whereby - excluding the twelve parish forces - there were four separate policing organisations concerned with the policing of this one event.
This is the last known occasion on which Special or Auxiliary Constables were enrolled or deployed in the Island.
