The head of Jersey Customs and Immigration, Mark Cockerham, will retire this month after 38 years of dedicated service.
Cockerham joined the service as an officer in April 1986 and has worked across various roles, including in borders, intelligence, investigation, goods control, and immigration. During his career, he led several intelligence operations, including large-scale drug seizures, and has held his current leadership role for the past six years.
Reflecting on his career, Cockerham, a former Victoria College pupil, described it as an “absolute privilege” to lead a team of dedicated professionals. He highlighted the broad scope of the service, which impacts areas such as revenue collection, customer service, and safety beyond the island’s borders.
He expressed excitement about spending more time with his family after retirement but noted he would miss working with his colleagues.
Rhiannon Small, who has been with JCIS since 2006, will take over as the new head of the service on 1 February. Small currently leads the Goods Control Unit, where she manages over 12,000 consignments arriving on the island each day.
Kate Briden, chief officer of Justice and Home Affairs, thanked Cockerham for his long and exemplary service and wished him the best for the future. She also congratulated Small on her appointment, looking forward to her leadership of the service.
Home Affairs Minister Mary Le Hegarat, a former police officer, praised the critical work of JCIS in ensuring the safety of the island. She expressed gratitude for Cockerham’s leadership over the past six years and wished him well in his retirement.
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