The Royal Virgin Islands has launched a new joint task force with Her Majesty’s Customs and Immigration Department. Photo: RVIPF

Police Commissioner Michael B. Mathews engage officers of Her Majesty's Customs. Photo: RVIPF

Effective today, April 17, 2020, thirty-four (34) Customs and Immigration officers have been sworn in as Auxiliary Officers on a temporary basis with more to come.

This new joint task force was developed to maintain the security and integrity of our borders within the Territory, and to provide effective enforcement of curfew requirements whilst giving visible reassurance to our communities.

The Commissioner of Police, Michael B. Matthews stated “This is an important step in increasing the safety and security of the communities of this Territory during these unprecedented times. The threat of COVID-19 has meant drawing on all available law enforcement resources as well as enlisting help from private citizens to increase our capacity and capability upon our territorial waters and on land throughout the islands. The Task Force comes under the joint command of RVIPF, Customs and Immigration and I am exceptionally grateful to my colleagues and their staff for the provision of this assistance in boosting our response at this challenging time for all of us.”

The safety of this Territory’s citizens is paramount, and during these coming weeks the laws surrounding the curfew would be strictly enforced.

Please follow all guidelines given as to not find yourself in a position of breaking the law.