Former police officer takes up HM Sergeant and Sheriff posts
A FORMER police officer has been appointed as the new HM Sheriff of the Royal Court.
Jason Savident will double up his role with that of HM Sergeant.
While he was sad to end his career with Guernsey Police, Mr Savident said he was relishing the challenge ahead.
‘One of my remits or aims is to develop the powers of the HM Sheriff to improve the capability to seize assets and recover debts,’ he said.
Mr Savident was born in Guernsey and attended Vauvert Primary and the Grammar School.
He joined Guernsey Police as a cadet and apart from a short spell in finance, which he said did not suit him, he spent a total of 23 years with the force, rising to the rank of detective inspector.
He takes over the positions from Jayne Limond.
HM Greffier Jon Torode welcomed the appointment.
‘As with Jayne before, Jason brings a wealth of enforcement experience with the capability to engage with those who wish to seek and execute orders made by the court,’ he said.
Mr Savident said he had been surprised at how effective the office of HM Sergeant could be in effecting petty debt claims.
In many cases the serving of a summons was enough to get people to settle debts without the need to involve the HM Sheriff.
‘It is surprising how many people and companies in Guernsey are lawfully due fees from clients, customers and traders who in most cases simply do not pay for services or goods received in good faith,’ he said.
‘The power of a Petty Debt Court summons should not be underestimated and I would encourage anyone who feels unable to recover debts to look at the Royal Court website and see where we can be of assistance.’
Married to Clare, Mr Savident has two daughters, Harriet, 16, and Frankie, 14.
While his main interest outside work is golf, his daughters have inherited their father’s love of sport, both representing Guernsey at hockey and netball.
The ceremonial and civic roles of HM Sheriff and HM Sergeant will remain a focal point for him, starting with the Act of Remembrance that takes place at the War Memorial at the top of Smith Street on Sunday.
When swearing Mr Savident into both roles this week, Bailiff Richard McMahon said his police experience would be of benefit to his new career.
‘As such, you have a good basis of understanding of the processes of some of the courts to which you are now an officer,’ he said.
‘Indeed, the investigative techniques that you have acquired and honed should equip you to know a good number of those who you and your team will have to search out to serve.’
The powers of HM Sheriff and Sergeant
THE office of HM Sheriff and HM Sergeant is an executive arm of the Royal Court and States of Guernsey.
In recent years, one person has held the roles simultaneously. HM Sheriff is senior to the HM Sergeant, but HM Sergeant is the older of the two roles, dating from the 13th century.
The role of HM Sheriff has evolved over time. In the first half of the 19th century he was also the prison governor.
Today, it is the HM Sheriff’s duty to put sentences of the courts into effect and to collect fines.
He or she is empowered to seize assets and carry out evictions.
There is a ceremonial side as the post-holder is also responsible for keeping order in States meetings and receiving and announcing royalty or the Lt-Governor when they attend.
The principal role of the HM Sergeant is to serve documents and summonses.
