Police hold politicians' details

States members have been told the files are kept securely

Police in Jersey have been holding files containing personal details of island politicians, it has emerged.

The files, created in 2006, did not appear to relate to any police investigation, Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand told the States.

Mr Le Marquand said he was "seriously concerned" about the files, known about by a "very small number of officers".

Police have not explained why they started keeping the files, called Operation Blast.

Mr Le Marquand told the States that he had been told about the files by the solicitor general in April and Acting Chief Officer David Warcup had now confirmed their existence.

Each file contains a photograph, a criminal record search and information from local and UK police intelligence.

He said the files had not been retained under "standard arrangements".

He said: "Indeed, there are papers within the files which would suggest that efforts have been made to ensure that this information was maintained outside the normal protocols."

He said that a "very small number" of senior officers knew about the files which were kept securely in the force's Special Branch office.

He said: "I am not aware of the motivation for the setting up and retention of these files but am very seriously concerned about their existence."

David Warcup has offered to discuss the files with members

Mr Warcup has offered to meet all members personally to discuss the contents of the files. But information "which cannot be properly disclosed outside of the police intelligence community" would not be revealed.

Mr Warcup said in a statement: "Action has already been taken to instigate a review to look at the retention of information within the States of Jersey Police.

"When the review is complete, I will then determine what if any action needs to be taken.

"I would, however, like to reassure the public that there are clearly laid down and regulated practices and procedures governing the handling of information by the police and I will be making sure that they are fully complied with."