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‘I am not corrupt’- CoP David Morris

- but said there is a minority of officers in the RVIPF who are corrupt
Outgoing Commissioner of Police David Morris (centre) has declared he is not corrupt but noted there are some elements in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) who are and are tarnishing the good reputation of others who are of integrity and hardworking. Photo: VINO
Outgoing Commissioner of Police David Morris (right) was a guest of Open Mic hosted by Mr Julio S. Henry and aired on CBN Channel 51 on August 1, 2015. Photo: VINO
Outgoing Commissioner of Police David Morris (right) was a guest of Open Mic hosted by Mr Julio S. Henry and aired on CBN Channel 51 on August 1, 2015. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Outgoing Commissioner of Police David Morris has declared he is not corrupt but noted there are some elements in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) who are and are tarnishing the good reputation of others who are of integrity and hardworking.

Responding to a question asked by host of Open Mic Mr Julio S. Henry, during an interview aired on CBN Channel 51 on August 1, 2015, on whether there was corruption in the RVIPF, Mr Morris said “yes there is [corruption in the RVIPF].”

At this time Mr Henry slipped in the question: “Are you corrupt?” To which Mr Morris said: “No I am not corrupt.”

“But there are officers who have committed corrupt actions,” continued Mr Morris who noted that there is corruption even in immigration and customs.

The Commissioner added, however, that the corrupt elements make up a small minority but puts the biggest tarnish on the force.

“The majority of the officers in the RVIPF work damn hard, work damn long hours, and do a damn good job.”

Operation Lucan

It was announced by Government in 2014 that an independent investigation was in place to root out police corruption after months of media reports.

This followed with an entire ‘special investigation unit’ of the RVIPF being sent on leave pending the outcome of an investigation for wrongdoing, including allegedly stealing cash from drug dealers.

The investigation, named Operation Lucan, began on November 10, 2014, with the team reporting directly to the Commissioner of Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Morris’ alleged interference

It was this news site, however, that broke the story on January 13, 2015 where police from all ranks of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) flooded our news room with calls that Mr Morris appeared to be in violation of an independent investigation into reported police corruption.

They pointed to a letter he had written as it relates to the investigation promising police officers if they come forward with information they will receive his “full support and appreciation”.

Many interpreted that as a bribe and direct interference by the Commissioner of Police.

After pressure from this news site, the RVIPF, especially those who were directly being investigated, residents territory-wide, and civil society who have wide reaching mistrust of David Morris, he surrendered to good governance and agreed to a truly independent investigation.

Meanwhile, Mr Morris stated that Operation Lucan had seen several officers sent on leave, however, some of them have been vindicated and reinstated on the job.

“Some of them are still suspended and the file is with the Director of Public Prosecutions. It upsets me when that happens,” Mr Morris said but reminded that when he first came to the Virgin Islands he had publicly stated that he would not stand for corrupt officers in the force.

The officers, he said, have taken an oath to uphold the law and the community expects that so if the officers can’t abide by the oath then they should leave the force.

“Because you are well paid, in the BVI it’s not a bad pay actually in terms for policing…its' better than some of the wages you look at…it’s pretty good.

Mr Morris said his contract with the RVIPF will end on August 31, 2015 but he will depart the territory from August 12, 2015 on leave.

31 Responses to “‘I am not corrupt’- CoP David Morris”

  • .... (02/08/2015, 10:46) Like (8) Dislike (20) Reply
    Just like his friend who said he is not a racist!
  • clean as a whistle (02/08/2015, 10:48) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    There is corruption every where. Even in heaven had corruption, that's why satan and his angels were kicked out.
  • IRS (02/08/2015, 10:51) Like (4) Dislike (10) Reply
    Let us check all of his bank accounts here and abroad before and after.
  • just asking.... (02/08/2015, 11:19) Like (2) Dislike (16) Reply

    Where they get that house from at nanny cay?

  • wow (02/08/2015, 11:37) Like (4) Dislike (16) Reply
    so he blaming the police officers and not himself..
    shame on morris he needs to go now
  • chad (02/08/2015, 12:17) Like (5) Dislike (9) Reply
    He took the job saying there is major corruption in the police force and he will remove it. He is leaving & failed to address it but leaving saying the force have corrupt cops. I learn that in life you are either part of the solution or part of the problem. It is clear which one he is or moreso was.
  • Stupes (02/08/2015, 12:26) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    Whose bank account? the ministers who work for 8,000 am month or the commissioner's!
  • birds of a feather (02/08/2015, 12:51) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    If no arrest were made in customs and immigration then that's corruption.
    • wize up (02/08/2015, 15:03) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ birds of a feather; I agree with you, aint no crime if you don't get caught....
  • Just wondering (02/08/2015, 14:13) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Wonder what happens to the mail in Road Town that is sent from banks to their customers, that never show up
    in their customers PO boxes? Hmmmm......
  • sir (02/08/2015, 14:13) Like (5) Dislike (16) Reply
    ‘I am not corrupt’ Said every corrupt cop in the history of FOREVER.
  • a sad and embarrassed person. (02/08/2015, 16:32) Like (27) Dislike (7) Reply
    I have never, in fifty five years witnessed such mean spiritedness, hatred, and outright vitriolic spewing. Since his arrival, Commissioner Morris has not been given one iota of respect and cooperation from all sectors...How embarrassing for us all.
    • @ a sad and embrrasded person (02/08/2015, 19:16) Like (3) Dislike (14) Reply
      We need a local or black chief of police the white women will meet the same fate
      • What? (03/08/2015, 05:14) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
        As a white woman I am asking what fate am I to meet if a local black chief of police comes to be?
        • @wHAT (07/08/2015, 14:13) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
          you in a black community chick, so if you dont want to deal with a black COP then leave
  • police officer west end (02/08/2015, 16:45) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    What else who he say? He is a smart man
  • Rat (02/08/2015, 18:17) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    Tamia and that "hair" though....
  • hmmm? (02/08/2015, 18:50) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well Mr. Morris, the essence of your statement may not be about you being or not being corrupt.

    BUT the 'minority'
    Who are they?
    How long have you known about them?
    What have you done to put a stop to their corruption?
    Why now?

    • Warri (03/08/2015, 09:14) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      These are some real questions. Sadly they will remain unanswered as the other questions he's been dodging. Day one he labeled the force corrupt. He somehow from distant place he got the files. He came in on high horse and his parting was so deflated.
  • vex (02/08/2015, 19:17) Like (9) Dislike (24) Reply
    Faster he gets out the bvi the better for crime and the RVIPF
    • long look me come from (03/08/2015, 17:57) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      He forced all the local police officers to retire now many of them living like poor people in their own country
  • lawd have mercy (02/08/2015, 20:44) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply

    can one explain how a private vehicle they once own end up in the police fleet without proper accountability

    • wize up (04/08/2015, 12:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ lawd have mercy: what private vehicle and how much money was paid out during the transaction ( can't the CID take up this matter) or did the white house gave immunity from prosecution!!!
  • Hmm (03/08/2015, 13:11) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    I rather that white woman than A. J.... He got his lil gang within the force and the dpp office doing his dirty work.
  • leave fast (03/08/2015, 14:24) Like (6) Dislike (6) Reply
    Please stop embarrassing yourself TOP COP if it was not for those 70 brave officers that signed that petition those officers would be still there taking drug people money while you praise them for doing a good job by way of certificates and courses. Up to now you have not thank those 70 brave officers. Instead you had your deputy admonish them you should be damn shame you came here and made the force worse by joining your deputy and promoting his troupes and that's how they thank you up to now you have not came forward and admit that it is because of what those 70 officers did they triggered this investigation one may think its u but its not and now you want to take the credit for what u didn't do

    You 70 brave officers on behalf of the people of the BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS I want to say thanks for doing the TOP COP job (rooting out the undesirables ) a job he swear to do and a job well done and please sue them for those admonishments. Once again I say thanks.
  • MISSING YOU ALREADY COMMISSIONER MORRIS (03/08/2015, 16:45) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
    we missing you already commissioner Morriw. you brought objectivity to the force. heaven help us now. thanks for your service to the people of these islands. God bless. p.s. you were also the cutest commissioner we had in a long time.
  • x police (03/08/2015, 17:55) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Leave the poor man the governor is getting rid of him let him go in peace!!!!!
    • wize up (04/08/2015, 12:25) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ X police; yes but we should have a commission of enquiry again the black folks!!! white boy should go free????
  • dont judge (03/08/2015, 18:19) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
    Have you taken the time to think before you type? White , black, from here, not from here. The man served and he did what...... So what.
    Corruption that what we all are but because of God grace and Mercy we are here. Lets stop the hate. live , love and serve God.
    Lets join our voices crying and seeking God face in much prayer . Things are not getting better . Pray for your children, the country , our Boss , the prison, the ports, pebbles and the list go on...........
    Lets pray Father forgive me for saying things i have no proof of it is a sin dear Lord. Bless the commissioner and help every officers and judges to put peace as we oh God strive to be good true Christian people amen. Dear Lord shut the mouth of every trouble maker who seeks war and speak lies amen.Bless vino
  • good riddance (03/08/2015, 23:38) Like (1) Dislike (14) Reply
    One of the worse commissioners in the history of the BVI. Bring back our own - Fraser Malone or even James


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