RVIPF officers selected to travel abroad to train as women in policing

Detective Sergeant Sherry-Ann Lavia-Lennon (left) and Acting Inspector Angeline Stevens.

Two female officers attached to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) have been selected to travel abroad to attend a two-week training workshop on women policing in recognition of International Women’s Day.

The two female cops are Acting Inspector Angeline Stevens and Detective Sergeant Sherry-Ann Lavia-Lennon. They are scheduled to participate in exercises centred around leadership, mentoring and networking opportunities designed specifically for women in policing.

A media release from the RVIPF on Wednesday said the duo will be joined by women officers from other British Overseas Territories such as Bermuda, Cayman, Falklands, Gibraltar, Turks and Caicos and Anguilla.

“The training, which is coordinated through the Governor’s Office and funded by the UK Government, is part of the new global Women and Girls Strategy launched today, 8 March, that is intended to progress gender equality,” the RVIPF stated.

Meanwhile Governor John Rankin said he is delighted to be part of an initiative that supports the development of women in law enforcement.

“Advancing gender equality is a fundamental building block for sustainable, thriving futures. I’m therefore pleased the UK, with support of my office, was able to arrange this training opportunity for our women police officers,” the Governor stated.

Commissioner of Police Mark Collins expressed that it is vital that women’s voices in policing are both heard and understood, and said he looks forward to seeing these officers put in practice what they have learnt upon their return.

The RVIPF said the select female cops arrived earlier this week where they spent two days with Police Scotland to learn from senior officers and to start building a network for role specific support.

“The two will then spend the week at the Women In Policing Conference.
Officers Stevens and Lavia-Lennon will then go on to attend leadership training, delivered by a retired UK Police Officer. The course will focus on lived experiences and career challenges while improving self-confidence, developing a strong professional network, accessing peer support, learning from role-models, and making clear plans to reach full potential,” the RVIPF stated.

It added: “The conference aims to provide an opportunity for professional development, and to initiate important conversations about what it takes to create truly inclusive places to work in policing.”

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