Any locals? Hunt begins for new Commissioner of Police
Mr Matthews, who previously served as Chief Constable of the Cyprus Sovereign Base Area (SBA) Police Force, was appointed Police Commissioner in the Virgin Islands in April 2016 for three years and received an extension of two years on his contract in April 2019.
Michael B. Matthews
The UK CoP quickly developed a reputation of being of friendly demeanour and approachable and one who paid attention to public relations via the media.
He; however, came under criticism this year when his ranks were accused of using excessive force during arrests, including tasing of persons in non-threatening situations.
Mr Matthews was quick to defend his ranks, despite the wave of public condemnation against the actions of the police.
CoP Matthews, the good buddy of outgoing Governor, Augustus J. U. Jaspert, who himself is under heavy criticism following his controversial remarks about slavery reparations and landmarks named in honour of perpetrators of slavery, has also been under fire for the RVIPF’s inability to address the vexing issue of motor scooter riders brazenly disregarding traffic rules and being a nuisance to the motoring public and the community at large.
Additionally, there have been reports of low morale among officers and lack of camaraderie. The latter came out in full display on April 22, 2020, when two of his officers were engaged in a verbal spat, which almost turned physical over what was allegedly bad parking by the entrance of the One Mart Supermarket in Purcell Estate.
The incident was captured on video and shared on social media.
Mr Matthews had replaced another UK national as CoP, Mr David Morris, whose appointment had caused controversy since there were on-going formal complaints against him, including allegations of unfair dismissals and abuse of authority.
Time for a local CoP
Nevertheless, what the Virgin Islands public would want to know is whether the new Commissioner of Police will be another UK national or whether a local will be given a chance at the helm, providing a local applies for the post.
There have been only two local Commissioners of Police since the RVIPF was formed in 1967.
The Virgin Islands last had a local Police Commissioner in Mr Reynell Frazer, who retired in 2012.
The first local Police Commissioner was former Legislator and Attorney Mr Vernon E. Malone.
The tenures by both local Police Commissioners were regarded as successful, proving that locals can effectively serve in such an important post.
Our own can do the job
Further, it has been the philosophy and policy of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) administration led by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) that all senior government positions should be held by locals.
Meanwhile, the deadline for applications for the post of Commissioner of Police of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is October 13, 2020.
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50 Responses to “Any locals? Hunt begins for new Commissioner of Police”
He is Dominican.
When you experience corruption on this corrupt *** turning favours to not enforce the law then you would think again.
The tenure of Mr Matthews has left a lot to be desired and I hope that he departs sooner than later.
As for the DCP being promoted to the top job, that is definitely not the solution. He is not the answer to the rebuilding and rejuvenating of the RVIPF towards an elite and professional level. What has he done as the 2IC to help the force to achieve the desired goals and objectives?
The RVIPF has the ability to do well by God and country. The most suitable candidate for the position of Commissioner of Police is a female. We all know who she is
What is the point being friendly and useless in solving crimes?
What is the point in being friendly and still have a ra***t mentality?
Remember w**** man just here to collect a fat pay check. Nothing else nothing less.
Them curpt &** u see there ...try save there own from jail but couldn't save th&* from steal...hmmm
No accountability
Corruption will become worse than ever
Give it to Rob Cop he work hard enough for it... make the government rich by given out traffic tickets.
For the haters who is out full gunho that jv should not be given the cop post i will sk this. ****has been d**** for years and presided over much of the disaffection in the or. He ws incharge and refuse to carry out investigtiobn when his countryman was implicted in nefarious activitie and has taken vendetta on those who spoke out. He should have been sent home long time bit *** has no backbone so he allow ****to do ad he please. Those who support *** are those who got position by way of nepotism or nationality. AC is of similar ilk to *** except his people done have position. That man who talk of test is bitter becuz she pass n he fail. Btw no one knew if would hve done good job and jury is out on that eg irmamaria and covid response. A good leader look after his men is a reminder of how you judge
2. jackie vanterpool
3. bob hodge
4. no more foreign applications
Good,but no Expat ...Even a uk,because we under the Queen.
Some of you hate locals so much you just don't want that power in the hands of Locals. If those who is responsible for the force was doing there duty a lot of these officers high and low ranking wouldn't be in the force. If we have locals who can do the job give them a chance in their country if not source someone else.