Jersey's first female chief inspector set to retire

The first woman to be made a chief inspector in Jersey Police is set to retire later this year.

Now a detective superintendent, Alison Fossey started her career in policing in Glasgow in 1992 before moving to island and joining the force in 2002.

She then reached the rank of superintendent in 2021 and also co-wrote Jersey's first domestic abuse strategy, which has been a career-long focus.

She said "I'm really proud of my career and my achievements here... The response to violence against women and girls is now part of our DNA."

Det Supt Fossey has been the violence against women and girls (VAWG) strategic lead, which has changed how survivors are treated and how offenders are targeted.

She said: "There's still more to be done in this area... [but] we've got some great foundations laid in the police so everyone else will continue with that when I finish next year.

"It really has undergone a transformation which has been just such a team effort within the States of Jersey Police.

"I think there were pockets of good work but it was very much in silos before and didn't really become more coordinated until the response to the Jersey Care Inquiry."

She praised also the work of the government, and third partner organisations, as well as survivors of abuse who came forward.

She said: "We've had really good relationships with Jersey Action Against Rape [JAAR] and with Free from Domestic Abuse [FREEDA]... The government has invested a lot of money into the new sexual assault centre, to the support services and who have believed in what we've tried to achieve here.

"Most importantly, the victim survivors in Jersey who bravely came forward got on board and really helped to transform the response here to sexual and domestic abuse.

Last month she was appointed an MBE for her services to island policing and the wider community of Jersey.

She also reflected on how her work may have inspired more women to join Jersey Police.

She said: "If I've inspired any other female officer within the force to achieve their best, to go through the ranks, then that's a great thing... We need diverse representation in the senior leadership team.

"I would encourage anyone who wants promotion to go for it, because you really can achieve what you want to achieve in the States of Jersey Police."

Det Supt Fossey has been involved in several high-profile investigations during her time with Jersey Polic,e including the investigation into the Haut de Mont explosion.

Ten people died in the blast in 2022. Three former gas workers accused of manslaughter in connection to a fatal explosion at a block of flats in Jersey are due to stand trial in September.

Det Supt Fossey said that case had seen "a very complex investigation" and "to see that to trial has been a real pivotal moment in my career".

"All officers and staff here stepped up and really did an excellent job through this investigation," she added.

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