Eyes on Ullger: Can interim top cop win over RVIPF?
The public will be watching closely to see whether newly appointed Interim Acting Commissioner Richard Ullger can command the respect of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, especially among its senior ranks, following weeks of controversy, protests and political tension over the leadership of the force.
Ullger’s appointment by Governor Daniel Pruce came after Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool was abruptly reverted to her substantive role as Deputy Commissioner. The move stunned many in the territory, not only because Vanterpool had been the first Virgin Islander woman to rise to the post, but because both the Police Service Commission and the National Security Council had reportedly been in favour of her taking the job permanently.
Still, the Governor insisted Ullger brings “strong leadership and strategic planning” and said his interim posting – funded by the UK – will free up local resources to strengthen the police force. But that reassurance has done little to quiet public outrage.
Over the past several weeks, protesters have gathered outside Government House, carrying signs demanding Vanterpool’s reinstatement and accusing the Governor of sidelining a qualified local officer without proper explanation. A petition calling for answers from the Governor quickly circulated, gaining support from residents who argue the decision undermines efforts to promote local leadership within key institutions.
For his part, Governor Pruce has declined to give a full account of why Vanterpool was removed, saying only that “developments in recent weeks and months” compelled his intervention. Many observers believe the situation stems from concerns surrounding the vetting process within the force – an issue that has been under scrutiny for several years – though no official confirmation has been given.
The uproar comes at a delicate time for the RVIPF, which extended to the tenure of former Commissioner Mark Collins. Some within the force and public had lost love for him towards the end of his tenure due to controversial decisions he made throughout his term.
His departure left the force and community calling for stability, and many had hoped Vanterpool, a career officer with decades of service, would provide it.
Instead, the force has now been thrust into a leadership battle that has split public opinion and stirred debate about local empowerment, good governance, and the influence of the Governor’s Office over the territory’s security apparatus.
Against that backdrop, Ullger’s biggest test may not be crime-fighting or administration, but legitimacy. Whether officers, many of whom had openly supported Vanterpool, will accept him as their leader remains unclear. And whether the wider public sees him as a stabilising figure or a symbol of external interference may ultimately determine his ability to lead.
For now, Ullger holds the title of Acting Commissioner. But whether he will hold the confidence of the force and community is the question yet to be answered.
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I am waiting to see the backlash when he is removed from his position of Acting Commissioner of Police by our racist, overeaching, colononialist, sexist, non democratic Governor who will be again be making decisions, against the will of our non voting, no rights underclass, (working and living with no democratic rights) people.
See the backlash then, when we lose another Acting CoP. No end to his powers.
They should leave him fend for himself, see how far he gets.
Once he is not a racist or has an agenda he will be alright
the jezebel officers done won over meh boi.
He actually wants to win over a bunch of incompetent people. The police force and alot of these officers especially those who have been in top positions for the past 5years only getting back what they deserve.
Look at the character of the people protesting for Jackie. Some of them has squeeze the milk out of this country so they can fill there own cup and left others including locals to struggle.
Those now presenting themselves as champions of the RVIPF are the very ones who once mocked, ridiculed, and disrespected it. Let us be clear, they speak without knowledge of policing or of the force they now claim to defend. The RVIPF is a disciplined institution, guided by laws, regulations, standing orders, and a clear chain of command. By its nature, policing requires adherence to lawful orders. No senior officer of integrity will jeopardize his career by willfully disobeying such orders. Yes, there may be isolated acts of resistance, but that is a reality every leader has had to manage with patience and resolve.
Senior officers do not gamble their careers by defying lawful orders as they are aware of the consequences.
Remember our last Premier
Mr. Ullger – if you can tame these wreckless animals you will win much favor with the populace! Helmets, insurance, licences, age limits…all are ignored by your police officers. We live in a small place…should be easy to do.
THE WIGGED ONE’S DEN / AND HE WILL BE TARGET PRACTICE FOR WIGGIE, TO FLEX OFF HESELF ON , SO LETS PREPARE FOR HIS ” BROKEN DOWN RECORD “RACIST NARRATIVES AS HE DID WITH THE FORMER COMMISSIONER , / FOR SHOWING THE
1 BEING IN FISH BAY, AND HAD THE NERVE TO SAY THAT THE COMMISSIONER WANTED TO MAKE THE COUNTRY LOOK BAD / AND IT WILL BE ANOTHER EPISODE OF “WAT-NEX” WITH THIS JOKER ON THE LOOSE • LORD HELP US .
Anothe stone cold RACIST, BLACK AND VIRGIN ISLANDER hating monster and fake law enforcement officer placed to receive a salary that truly belongs to the local people.
This system created by britian that uses words on paper to continue its colonial agenda is dispicable.
They term it “a constitution,” and it is nothing more than a heartless and humanless document created for them by them, and is disguised as something of importance for them, while disrergarding the people whom it tramples upon without mercy, care or humanness.
Hence, when removing and keeping worthy, talented and local qualified candidates out of higher positions, it appears cruel and heartless.
UK’s conolialism has been and still is the greatest human scourge upon the earth in this part of the world.
It is tasteless what is transpiring on these islands for law enforcement and policy.
If your comments receive negative “thumbs down” on this site, know that they represent truth and facts, of which a certain kind of people have a natural aversion to. Selah!
The white savior complex inculcated in us through religion will always work to the benefit of the white race, we have our beloved blond blue eye Jesus given to us by our slave master as savior, but it didn’t save us from 400 years of slavery.
If I was a member of the RVIPF I don’t know if I could trust this man. Policing is serious business and you cannot have a questionable character leading the police organization.
He knows what he’s getting into.The vile race baiters,led by hateful pastors and blind BLM social justice warriors..won’t shake this Brit..rule Brittania.