Acting Commissioner of Police Alwyn James is confident that with the newly refurbished police station in West End, the community would be more inclined to support the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) and report crime. Photo: VINO

Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith being escorted by James while touring the facility. Photo: VINO

Putting balloons up as part of the opening festivities at the newly refurbished police station. Photo: VINO

A view of the newly refurbished West End Police Station. Photo: RVIPF

He made these statements on Friday October 30, 2015 during the ceremony to mark the reopening of the West End Police Station.

“Our objective is to develop police stations that fit the policing needs as well as the community,” said James who is acting as Commissioner of Police until such time that a successor to former Commissioner David Morris is found.

James was confident that with the refurbished facility, residents would be more inclined to be helpful to the police.

“Studies do show that the provision of well-designed public minded police stations offer a real opportunity to enhance the image of the police among the public.”

Mr James said this in turn will promote trust and confidence in the Police Force. He also lauded members of the community who made contributions of their time and effort as well as goods and services to the reopening of the station.

He pointed to studies which show that fit for purpose police facilities in prime locations within the hearts of communities will help to tackle crime.

“Police stations are a symbol of security and public order which fosters community relations. They also act as a place of sanctuary which reduce feelings of vulnerability by members of the public and create a climate where persons may feel more inclined to report crime or provide information to support ongoing investigations.”

He said that the West End Police Station is one of the oldest to be established in the territory, confirming that the building is over 40 years old and, as with all things with time, needs remedial work.

He said Government made a commitment to refurbish the building and reinvest in the structure. “I am very happy that they made that decision,” he said.

The Acting Commissioner then thanked Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith for the financial support needed to complete the building and for the works that are going on at the East End Police Station, the Anegada Police Station and the Jost van Dyke Police Station.

“I also want to thank the Deputy Governor’s Office for their contribution in making this a reality,” he said, while appealing to Permanent Secretary in the Deputy Governor’s Office Mr David D. Archer for a new Road Town Police Station.

The West End Police Station, which had been closed in May 2014 due to unsafe conditions, was refurbished at a cost of $318,000.