With almost all crime now involving some form of digital component, £250,000 has been invested into Jersey Police's digital forensics unit.

Around 90% of police investigations involve technology, including phones, laptops and other digital devices.

Digital forensics helps to make savings and speed up the criminal proceedings by generating early guilty pleas and delivering justice to victims swiftly.

Chief of Police Robin Smith says it is a vital part of modern policing.

"The future is to invest even more, and I will continue to make my case to the government to invest more into digital forensics."

The police chief also wants to ensure islanders are getting 'a good bang for their buck' when it comes to policing.

It comes as the force's budget will flatline over the next few years.

Chief Officer Smith says the island has had an unprecedented 18 to 19 months, but the government has helped fund each major investigation, from the first incident.

"The sinking of L'Ecume II; shortly afterwards, the tragic, explosion at Haut du Mont; double fatal car crash involving Dean and Charlie Lowe; terrorism case, which is very unusual, where the individual has admitted two counts of terrorism; we had a big storm; and then of course we topped it off a few weeks ago with the visit of His Royal Highness, the King and the Queen.

"It's been a really busy time.

"I don't think there's a police chief in the world, indeed there's probably not a headteacher, doctor, senior social worker, who wouldn't say they wouldn't want more resources.

"I recognise that the government is determined to curb public sector costs. It seems to be something the island also wants to do."

Scrutiny heard recently that Jersey Police will not be filling two vacant staff positions.

Currently, SOJP employs 128 members of staff and around 200 officers.