Lead forensic medical examiner role scrapped in police cost-cutting restructure - Jersey Evening Post
by James Sharp · Jersey Evening PostPosted inNews
Lead forensic medical examiner role scrapped in police cost-cutting restructure
by James Sharp 29 June 202626 June 2026
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THE lead role overseeing forensic medical examinations for people in custody has been scrapped as part of a restructuring to “minimise costs” and “provide value for money”, the States police confirmed.
The change means the force will take on the administrative responsibilities previously carried out by Dr Deryn Evans in her role as lead forensic medical examiner.
The restructuring emerged during proceedings in the Royal Court last week, where Dr Evans gave evidence in the trial of Conor James, who was ultimately found guilty of grave and criminal assault and malicious damage.
Questioning Dr Evans, Crown Advocate Matthew Maletroit asked her to clarify her position for the jury.
“You are the lead forensic medical examiner on instruction of the States of Jersey police, contracted to provide medical services by States of Jersey police?” he asked.
“I was recently until they removed funding for the role,” Dr Evans told the court.
Following queries from the JEP, a States police spokesperson confirmed the changes formed part of “ongoing discussions with forensic medical examiners regarding contractual arrangements” because “contracts were up for renewal and inflationary rises consequently requested”.
The spokesperson explained: “A lead role previously existed, which included certain administrative functions such as rota preparation; these responsibilities have since been assumed by the States of Jersey police.”
Despite the removal of the lead role, the force said that its overall budget for forensic medical services had actually increased because contractors had sought higher rates when their contracts came up for renewal.
“The forensic medical examiners’ operating model has individual contractors working collectively to cover a 24/7 rota,” the spokesperson explained.
“Rather than funding being cut, additional budget has been required to fund increases in contractual rates.
“To reduce the budgetary impact on the States of Jersey police, differing approaches were adopted to minimise costs of the service and provide value for money to the Island.”
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