We will not accept any corruption in the RVIPF — Vanterpool

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is cracking down on corruption within its ranks to rebuild public trust and ensure accountability.

“We will not tolerate or accept any officers who are corrupted in any way to remain in the organisation,” Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool said during a press conference on the territory’s crime situation.

She emphasised the commitment of the RVIPF’s Professional Standards Unit, which has been bolstered with additional personnel to handle corruption-related complaints effectively.

The acting Commissioner highlighted that transparency is a top priority for 2025. “The public can rest assured that all complaints of corruption are being dealt with and will continue to be dealt with… We know for a fact that over the years, it did break down the confidence of the police force because they were hearing complaints and they were not hearing what the police were doing.”

Currently, 12 officers have been interdicted with some alred charged and before the court for offences ranging from assault to breach of trust. Detective Chief Inspector Kenrick Davis commended the RVIPF’s internal integrity, explaining that most investigations into officers started within the force itself. “It is the same police officers saying, ‘I’ve seen that. I will not tolerate it, and I’m going to do something about it,’” Davis told the media.

12 percent rise in crime

Addressing broader concerns, Vanterpool reported a 12% rise in crime for 2024, driven largely by organised gang activity, including burglaries and robberies. Despite this, the RVIPF achieved a 49% detection rate for all crimes, placing the Territory ahead of many jurisdictions.

The Acting Commissioner detailed initiatives aimed at reducing crime and building community trust, including increased foot patrols, town hall meetings, and enhanced public communications. “In terms of reassurance to the public, we know that one of our main priorities is building trust and confidence, both internally and externally. And it’s one of our top priorities for 2025 to bridge that gap with the public, to build back that confidence,” she said.

Residents were urged to play an active role in combating crime by reporting suspicious activities, with officials calling for more community involvement in stemming the crime surge.

“It’s not about the police only, but it’s about the police and the community,” remarked Superintendent Paula Alleyne.

The RVIPF is also addressing structural issues, such as gaps in resources and visibility, to strengthen law enforcement across the territory. While admitting there is room for improvement, Vanterpool reaffirmed the force’s dedication to maintaining public safety and tackling corruption head-on.

Residents are encouraged to report any relevant information by contacting the RVIPF hotline at 1-800-8477 or their local police station.