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Interviewing process commences for the BVI’s next top cop

The Virgin Islands Police Service Commission has officially commenced the interviewing process for the next Commissioner of Police of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.

This was revealed by the present Commissioner of Police Michael Matthews during his final appearance at the recently held police recognition ceremony luncheon.

He said: “As I stand here today talking to you, the Police Service Commission are interviewing for my successor and whoever that will be, I hope that he or she will continue the good work of doing their best to support the men and the women of this force.”

He added: “The Commissioner’s job at the end of the day is to do their best and to make sure that you have the right conditions, the right training, the right equipment and the right level of support to do the job that we are asking you to do.”

Commissioner Matthews also thanked his law enforcement officers for their continued support and dedication to servicing the community during his tenure as top cop.

“I can’t say that it has always worked how I would’ve liked and I can’t say that we have achieved everything I would’ve liked to achieve in my time here, but what I can say is that I am extraordinarily proud of the men and women of this force and what you’ve been asked to do, and how you’ve responded to it,” he stated.

Outstanding leadership

Deputy Commissioner of Police Alwin James spoke to Matthews’ leadership in the past four years, labelling it as outstanding with the many milestones achieved during his tenure.

“He has grown the organisation so he got permission from the government to grow our establishment by an additional 45 officers. We haven’t reached that yet but it’s there on paper and agreed to. He was able to introduce body-worn cameras, he was able to able grow our capacity and capabilities as it relates to firearm training, public order and I can go on with quite a few others,” James stated.

Matthews’ contract was initially set to expire in April 2019 but was extended for an additional two-year period following the advice of the National Security Council as well as the recommendation from the Police Service Commission.

While the public awaits the announcement of the territory’s new top cop, Superintendent Jacqueline Vanterpool is among the names that has been frequently touted as a suitable candidate for the post.

Vanterpool completed a Strategic Command Program in the United Kingdom earlier this year, which is a training programme designed for future Commissioners of Police.

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11 Comments

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  1. Reality Check says:

    Dear COP Mathews,

    As a parting gesture it would be nice if you instructed all of your officers to enforce every law for one month. Stop and ticket all offenders of the traffic laws positioning officers randomly at stop signs, traffic lights, etc., and ticket any vehicle stopped or parked partially blocking traffic as happens on lower Great Mountain and Fort Hills roads as well as a lot of the other roads. That Planning allowed building without adequate parking isn’t grounds to park on public roadways. Child car seats; vehicle lights not working, not signally turns, etc. Do us a favour and instruct your officers to do their jobs!!

    Like 15
    Dislike 2
  2. Wise up says:

    U did a great job Mr Matthew, let’s hope and pray that a local doesn’t get this position or else BVI will be in trouble.Hopefully the board and governors understands that certain positions needs outside expertise.

    Like 15
    Dislike 10
    • @Wise up says:

      Sad you think so poorly of us and even yourself while putting others aboe us and yourself.

      Be told, there is a adequate expertise and experience right here, and 100% local, that execute the duties of that lob to the fullest.

      Further, there is something called learning. We must learn how to have confidence in ourselves and our people.

      We must learn to uplift our own people. We must stop thinking that only certain people from outside of our circles can do jobs better than us.

      We must stop thinking that we and our own are not good enough.

      We must learn that we are as good and in instances even better than others.

      We must stop being mental slaves.

      Like 7
      Dislike 8
      • BuzzBvi says:

        It is not that people of the VI are not good enough. The problem is that they have family and friends and VI people, who are above all including the law. And there lies the problem. Welcome outside enforcement to level the playing field.
        Welcome it if you want law and order. Reject it if you want to carry on as we are.

        Like 13
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        • Wise up says:

          Great ??, that’s the point that I was trying g to make and it’s not like local can’t do the job they defend can but someone alway know someone or family with big names so certain things get sweep under the rug.

          • @Wise up says:

            When your house is dirty you clean it. You don’t throw away the occupants/family because they are nasty. You clean them up and teach them to be clean. You don’t throw away your family and import a new one.

            Indeed, and with all due respect, your thinking is elemental, antiquated and mired in what is referred to as the “house n***r mentality and enslavement.

    • @ Wise up says:

      Pure Euro-nation AKA ’urination’!

  3. Nomination says:

    Promote Supercop to Commissioner

    Like 3
    Dislike 7
  4. One day of enforcement of all rules says:

    Would be amazing! Sadly this seems impossible to achieve..

  5. Mimi says:

    That might be true but he will (UPHOLD THE LAW.)

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