Minister 'recognises' rise in reports of rape and sexual offences 

Overall, there's been a 10 percent reduction in recorded crime on the Island over the past year, according to Chief Constable Russ Foster, but he's also made plain the challenges being presented to the Isle of Man Constabulary.

Jane Poole-Wilson says she recognises the additional demand, adding it was 'welcome' that funding was approved in this year's budget for additional staffing for the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub, Police Early Action Team and Protecting Vulnerable People area covering domestic abuse and sexual offences.  

On the rise in reports of rape and sexual offences, the Minister says she and her department will continue to work with the Chief Constable, recognising this and other areas of demand. 

The minister says: "The report highlights the challenges the police have with complex offences such as money laundering and organised crime gangs. I am pleased to note the successes officers have achieved in tackling these issues.

"There have been strides forward in recruitment, with the hiring of 16 new student officers, for example.

"The report itself is directly linked to the Department's policing plan and reiterates the importance of those priorities that will continue through this year.

"I look forward to further working with the Chief Constable towards our shared vision of a safe and secure Island."

Chief Constable Russ Foster says: "Last year, I mentioned in a letter to the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs that ‘it would be a challenge to maintain the tempo and performance achievements of 2023/24.

"However, I am immensely proud to be able to report that the Constabulary has surpassed the excellent productivity achieved last year and supported by its partners, the Isle of Man Constabulary has gone from strength to strength over the past 12 months to deliver a high-quality policing service to the communities of the Isle of Man, which is a testament to the professionalism, dedication and tenacity of our extremely talented workforce, to which I owe a debt of gratitude.

"Whilst the continued reduction in overall crime is to be applauded, we have seen notable increases in some of our most complex and serious crime. Protecting vulnerable people is a key priority for the IOMC and whilst we embrace the changes which new legislation has brought about, we have seen a significant increase in the number of victims of sexual violence and domestic abuse, and we desperately need to see an increase in resources to continue to provide a high quality of service to some of our most vulnerable victims of crime.

"I feel privileged to lead the Isle of Man Constabulary and I appreciate the collective achievements of all the officers and staff who work so incredibly hard to keep everyone safe on the Island."