Among the issues it will look at will be public concerns frequently raised in perceived disparities between sentences for drugs offences and sexual offences, he said, among other specific offences and penalties.
Deputy Leadbeater said external expertise would be needed to ensure confidence in the scope and outcomes of the review, which would also consider alternative sentencing options such as electronic monitoring. Population policy, justice reform and public safety are among the other priorities for the Home Affairs Committee this political term.
Deputy Leadbeater said balancing community and industry expectations on population policy was likely to be one of his committee’s most significant challenges.
He confirmed work was under way to review Guernsey’s strategic population objective, with a wider policy review expected to begin in the third quarter of next year. Justice policy is set to remain a core focus, with Deputy Leadbeater saying Home Affairs was developing a Justice Action Plan, a ‘live’ document which was agreed by the Assembly last term.
He said the plan would help phase work, make meaningful progress, and track outcomes across the justice system.
Alongside this plan, a committee work plan would set out strategic objectives and links to operational delivery and the Government Work Plan.
Both documents are expected to be published early next year.
The committee also plans to undertake significant legislative work. Proposed amendments to the Sexual Offences Law would criminalise the creation or sharing of intimate images without consent, including deepfakes, as well as cyberflashing and possession of indecent cartoons of children.
Deputy Leadbeater said a policy letter was expected to be brought to the Assembly in March following consultation.
Domestic abuse legislation introduced in June was continuing to be embedded, with further training planned, and would progress a second phase of reforms alongside a refreshed Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy. Other areas of focus included road safety, police complaints reform, cyber security and online safety.
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