Acting Police Commissioner getting results – Premier
Acting Police Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool has earned high praise from Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley for her leadership in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), with the Premier pointing to tangible results since her appointment.
During a government press conference on 9 May, Dr Wheatley acknowledged a rise in police visibility and crime-fighting efforts under Vanterpool’s command.
“I’ve been very impressed with the work that Acting Commissioner Vanterpool has done since she took the helm,” Premier Wheatley stated. “They’ve had a number of recoveries of weapons. You’ve seen a greater presence of police out on the streets.”
He also commended her coordination during large gatherings and her public engagement, particularly during cruise ship visits, which require additional policing. “
She’s been getting some results,” Dr Wheatley asserted.
Vanterpool, who stepped into the acting commissioner role in 2023, is reportedly the subject of a petition lobbying for her permanent appointment. While Premier Wheatley did not comment on her candidacy, he reaffirmed the importance of homegrown leadership within the police force.
“I made it very clear in the House of Assembly that I don’t think it’s an effective strategy to always have persons come from the outside,” he explained. “You have persons who come to the Virgin Islands, get lots of training opportunities, and then they leave.”
Officers should see themselves one day being commissioner
The Premier called for stronger succession planning, saying that law enforcement officers in the territory should be able to “see themselves one day being a Commissioner of Police”.
Dr Wheatley also addressed the new vetting process for RVIPF officers, which began under Vanterpool’s leadership and was initiated unilaterally by Governor Daniel Pruce.
He stressed that the action was not a decision of the National Security Council or the Police Service Commission.
“We see the need to ensure that our police officers are vetted,” he noted. “Of course, there will be concerns because the Constitution provides persons the right to privacy.”
Dr Wheatley expressed cautious optimism about the initiative while reaffirming that capacity-building for local law enforcement remains a priority. “Ultimately, I believe that we have to build our own capacity,” he stated.
The vetting of police officers was one of the recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry (COI) reform process and a key part of the ongoing efforts to improve governance and accountability in the territory.
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Robberies are up by 188% and our tourism is at risk with all these Bar attacks in daylight.
Like she was just eating donuts and drinking coffee all the years she was there.
Please provide the reading public with your statistical sources.
Then, attempt to develop an understanding of the prime causes of robberies.
Thereafter, provide solutions and strategies on how to reduce robberies beyond what the Acting Commissioner has already implemented.
Or, beyond offering your solutions, do apply for the job with a convincing resume.
Please stop trying to fat shame others. You should be ashamed of yourself. Next time, try to encourage or uplift with your words.
is the issue with a local CoP. The … local CoP in the history of the BVI allegedly was very corrupt then forced to retire in lieu of criminal charges. He set a horrible example for those police persons aspiring for the CoP position.
Hail yuh mud***unt, nobody fat shaming her. But what has she been doing all these years??