Guernsey's Police Chief will become liable for the conduct of any of their officers whilst on duty, under new legislation being put to the States.

The Home Affairs committee has drawn up rules that will bring the Bailiwick in line with all other forces across the British Isles.

Currenlty, legal action can be taken directly against police officers for wrongdoing on duty. 

They need their own lawyer and the Chief Officer is not accountable, because the officer isn't considered as an employee - rather, each holds public office.

The Chief Constable of a UK force is vicariously liable for “any unlawful conduct of constables under his discretion and control”.

Politicians will be asked next week to agree an urgent law change that will bring Guernsey in line with police forces across England and Wales.

Officers facing civil action will be represented by Law Officers, which the committee says will avoid situations where the taxpayer faces big private legal bills.

It comes just months after the committee faced repeated calls to reveal the amount paid to solicitors in the defence of several officers facing civil proceedings.

Home Affairs President Rob Prow said:

“The Committee for Home Affairs considered it imperative to progress this work as a priority, as it will close a problematic legislative gap which a recent civil case has highlighted.

"Our amendment will allow police officers to benefit from the experience of the Law Officers of the Crown and move us away from the necessity to hire private law firms to represent officers at a cost borne by government.

Police Officers will therefore be more fairly treated compared to other staff groups, and tax payer money will be saved."

The policy letter also sets out plans for an overhaul of the complaints review to make it simpler, fairer and more independent.