Overall crime down but staffing a concern - chief

Russ Foster has released his first annual report as the island's most senior police officer

The overall crime rate on the Isle of Man fell 5% over the past year, but police staffing levels in the force have "continued to deteriorate" over the period, the chief constable has said.

Russ Foster's said despite a boost to starting salaries, officer retention was the Isle of Man Constabulary's "greatest vulnerability" and could lead to a future rise in crime rates.

His first annual report showed the reduction in recorded crime in the 2023-24 year, which followed a 7% rise the year before.

But, the report showed number of recorded sexual assaults had increased from 91 to 98, representing a 16% increase.

However, the document showed alongside that rise in those crimes, the number of offences other than rape "finalised with a positive outcome" had also rise from 34% to 62%.

A spokesman for the Department of Home Affairs said the rise in the number of reports was "not unexpected" after the introduction of new sexual offences and domestic abuse legislation and more training for officers.

The report also confirmed more than 7lbs (3.25kg) of heroin, 4lbs (1.75kg) of cocaine and 41lbs (19kg) of cannabis were seized by police during the year, alongside £65,000 in cash, as part of three major operations that targeted organised crime groups and saw 21 arrests.

The police received more than 14,000 calls for help and made 1,900 arrests in 2023-24

Mr Foster said the issue that currently caused him the "most concern" was the "recruitment and retention of police officers".

In July, starting salaries increased by about £3,600 to £32,163, and the majority of existing constables receiving an annual uplift of between £2,500 and £6,500.

The report confirmed a further case for more money for staffing had been submitted to the Department of Home Affairs to align the starting salary for a constable with the minimum recommended living wage advocated by the government body tasked with attracting people to the island.

Mr Foster said the 23 vacancies out of a "funded strength of 231 officers", which was set to increase further due to retirements and unexpected departures, meant the force was in the "midst of a staffing crisis".

He said resources may need to be "retrenched" from community policing and other non-emergency functions to "maintain our 24-hour policing response" in future.

"I have no doubt that this will denude the ability of the constabulary to continue to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour," he added.