Second-in-command leaving police amid structure changes

Wednesday 25 November 2020

The Designate Deputy Chief of Police is leaving the force after nearly two decades of service amid changes to the structure of the organisation.

James Wileman will be taking up an as yet unannounced new role within a different sector.

It comes as the organisation undergoes changes to its structure at its senior levels. In summer, Jersey Police announced they were putting plans to recruit a permanent Deputy Chief on hold due to the financial impact of the pandemic.

Instead of recruiting a new second-in-command, the force introduced the role of ‘Designated Deputy’, which will be filled in by one of the Superintendents on a rotating six-month basis.

Pictured: Superintendent James Wileman appearing at a previous Police press conference.

The temporary change was intended to give the force time to assess its financial position in light of covid, and ensure frontline constable and sergeant numbers are prioritised. 

James Wileman, who previously Acting Deputy Chief Officer, became the first to take on the ‘Designate’ role in October. After his six-month period, he was due to return to the role of 'Superintendent'.

He was the first Channel Island officer to earn a place on the national High Potential Development Scheme, and the first local police officer to successfully sit and complete the Strategic Command Course. 

Describing his time at the Police as an “absolute privilege and an honour”, the outgoing officer added: “Whilst, of course I am sad to be leaving a force I have spent 17 years in, through varying ranks and roles, it is time for me to take on another opportunity and broaden my skill set. 

“I would like thank everyone for the support and professionalism that they have shown me during my time working for the Police. SoJP is hugely respected and that position can only be achieved by the hard work, pride and dedication of the whole workforce to protect and serve our Island community.”   

Pictured: Police Chief Robin Smith thanked James Wileman for his service.

Police Chief Robin Smith commented: “James has been pivotal as a leader for the Force over the last two years, and will be very much missed by all his friends and colleagues. On behalf of SoJP, I would like to thank him for his commitment and contribution and hope that he may return one day in the future. We all wish him well in his new role.” 

In response to questions from Express about plans to recruit a replacement, a Police spokesperson said: "Succession planning is currently underway; the role will remain in place as a designate role following the structural changes that happened in October.

"We will announce the new officer in post when we are able to."