Police officers have been trained to search computers

There is mounting police concern about the number of people on the island with a sexual interest in children.

Two police officers have been trained to search computers for evidence of child pornography.

But despite the moves, the annual police report emphasises Jersey is still a safe place for children.

Chief police officer Graham Power said the police were working towards greater protection.

"Intelligence that has reached us from sources outside the island has identified people with a strong sexual interest in small children that we weren't aware of," he said.

Seeking powers

"That is obviously a matter of concern - and people on the island should be assured we are working on it."

The police are also seeking more powers to keep track of sex offenders in Jersey.

The annual report reveals three registered sex offenders came to the island last year.

Police chief Power is frustrated about a lack of measures to protect people from convicted sex offenders.

"The registration of sex offenders and the development of a proper code of law to protect innocent people from the activities of persistent sex offenders is one of the areas where Jersey lags behind," he said.

"As a result, we do have this frustration where we are aware of persistent sex offenders who are on the move, but there isn't always the legal mechanism to deal with that."