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- R.V.I.P.F - POLICING THE NEW MILLENNIUM
-
- As the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force observes its 32nd year of
its existence, Commissioner Vernon Malone has been reviewing "the
many adjustments as it responded to social changes and dramatic events
and upheavals". He prepared a report that formed part of the commemorative
booklet for Police Week 1999, which ran from November 28th to December
4th. Other activities included a family day, church service, open house,
sports and recreation and the annual Police ball.
-
- The Commissioner's report reflected on the early beginnings of the
Police Force in the BVI, examined threats
- affecting the tranquility of the territory, training for Officers,
the Force's strategic plan, recruitment, the different
- departments within the Force and buildings and infrastructure.
-
- According to Mr. Malone, in its very early years, the RVIPF dealt with
several demonstrations, until the menace of drug trafficking reached our
shores with its resultant violence, money laundering and the creation of
drug addicts.
-
- "Armed robberies and murders suddenly became commonplace and the
fear of crimes rose dramatically."
- Having put together a strategic plan to improve Police/public relations,
improve training and education, office
- and barracks accommodations, a number of other specific initiatives
were introduced aimed at reducing violent
- crimes and returning the BVI to its normal tranquil and crime-free
status.
-
- "Morale amongst Police Officers was substantially restored and
our detection rate improved dramatically,"
- Commissioner Malone stated. In 1992, the detection rate for serious
crime stood at 35%, rising steadily to 61% in 1998. "Our violent crime
situation practically ended around 1994 until the first half of 1997, when
some seven armed robberies occurred in the capital, Road Town. The Royal
Virgin Islands Police Force has 168 Officers - the Commissioner, Deputy
Commissioner, two Superintendents, six Chief Inspectors, ten Inspectors,
nine Station Sergeants, twenty six Sergeants and the others are Constables.
-
- The BVI has no army or national guard and therefore relies on the Tactical
Unit of the RVIPF to provide this
- kind of coverage. The function of this unit is primarily the suppression
of firearms related incidents in the BVI and the provision of firearm support
to other Police Units where this is needed.
-
- The new Tourist and Cash Protection Unit was established in 1993 and
is responsible for the protection of cash
- being transported to and from banks in the BVI, particularly at night,
and the protection of tourists from crimes and un-necessary harassment.
Then there is also the Criminal Investigation Department, the Financial
Investigation Department, the Family and Juvenile Department and the Traffic
Department. Other departments within the RVIPF include Prosecution, Maritime,
Communications, Forensic, Beat and Patrol, Complaints and Discipline, Internal
Affairs and Research and Development. The R & D Committee is now engaged
in the research of several important topics which have serious implications
for the RVIPF. These include the need to insure Police vehicles, the issue
of free legal representation for Police Officers when being charged criminally
- or civilly for an act committed during the course of employment, the
issue of compensation for an Officer injured by criminal action in the
line of duty and an increase in salaries and allowances for Officers.
-
- The Drugs department is responsible for the investigation of all drug
offences committed within the BVI. "Over
- the years, our success rates have been outstanding and we are quite
proud of our achievement here," said
- Commissioner of the RVIPF Mr. Vernon Malone.
-
- In 1998, Police seized 75.01 kg of cocaine, 85.4 kg of marijuana, 5.30
grams of crack and uprooted 2229 plants. Up to October 1999, some 477.37
kg of cocaine, 58.5 kg of marijuana, 10.2 grams and 792 plants were seized.
- He reported that the RVIPF is considering the introduction of a Cadet
Corps. "We believe that this can provide
- a rewarding and enriching experience for the young persons who become
involved; we would like to achieve this in 2000."
-
- In concluding, the Police Commissioner said the RVIPF continues to
look to the future with confidence as it
- seeks to modernize and professionalize, in an effort to meet the legitimate
expectations of the public.
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