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No new CoP until January 2016!

- COP application deadline is Nov 6; no word on whether anyone else from overseas identified
While there has been no one yet named to take the position of Commissioner of Police since the news of UK national Robin Smith turning down the position for personal and professional reasons, the application process is still open. Photo: VINO/File
Mr Robin Smith's appointment was subsequently announced to the media on September 4, 2015 via a press release from the Governor's Office. He was expected to take up office in November. According to a press release on October 14, 2015, from Policy Officer in the Governor’s Office, Ms Sue Cotton, Mr Smith will no longer head the RVIPF. Photo: Provided
Mr Robin Smith's appointment was subsequently announced to the media on September 4, 2015 via a press release from the Governor's Office. He was expected to take up office in November. According to a press release on October 14, 2015, from Policy Officer in the Governor’s Office, Ms Sue Cotton, Mr Smith will no longer head the RVIPF. Photo: Provided
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – While there have been no one yet named to take the position of Commissioner of Police (CoP) of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) since the news of UK national Robin Smith turning down the position for alleged personal and professional reasons, the application process is still open.

In a surprise twist two weeks ago, United Kingdom national Robin Smith reportedly withdrew from the post of Commissioner of Police in the RVIPF.

This news site was first to report on August 12, 2015 that the man to replace Mr David Morris was likely to be Mr Smith who has served as the Assistant Chief Constable of Sussex Police Department in the United Kingdom.

Mr Smith's appointment was subsequently announced to the media on September 4, 2015 via a press release from the Governor's Office. He was expected to take up office in November.

According to a press release on October 14, 2015 from Policy Officer in the Governor’s Office, Ms Sue Cotton, Mr Smith will no longer head the RVIPF.

“RVIPF Commissioner designate Robin Smith has informed the Governor of his decision to withdraw from the post for personal and professional reasons,” Ms Cotton said in a very brief announcement.

She also said the post will now be re-advertised and Acting Commissioner Alwyn James will continue as head of the RVIPF until further notice.

The announcement came as a surprise as Mr Smith had seemed set on joining the RVIPF, even stating that it would have been the highlight of his career as a law enforcement officer.

Word reaching this news site is that there has not been anyone else from overseas identified for the post since word of Smith’s refusal of it became public. In a comment to this news site today October 29, 2015, Public Relations Officer of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) Diane Drayton said, "I don't have any information or updates in relation to the selection of a new Commissioner of Police."

Successful candidate to be interviewed on Nov 20

When this news site sought an update from the Governor’s Office as to a replacement candidate for the position of Commissioner of Police, Maria Mays of the Governor’s Office directed our attention to the fact that the Government was still in the process of accepting applications.

A visit to the Government of the Virgin Islands website showed that the application deadline for the position was November 6, 2015.

The advertisement said that following a ‘paper-sift’, successful applicants to be called for interview will be notified by Friday November 20, 2015 with interviews taking place in person or by videoconference during the week commencing Monday November 30, 2015. It said that the successful applicant will take up the post on or after Monday January 4, 2016.

“The Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to Equal Employment Opportunities. All applicants will be considered on an equal basis that determines their suitability to the post applied for. The selection process will be conducted on the three principles of merit, fairness and openness,” the advertisement stated.

It said the successful candidate will therefore be a motivated and experienced senior police officer who is able to command and lead the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force in the drive to maintain and improve performance by effective management and by working with other partner agencies in strong collaboration 'to ensure that the Virgin Islands remains one of the safest territories in the Caribbean.

“Applicants must have successfully completed a recognised international policing strategic command training course,” the advertisement stated.

It also said the appointment will be offered on an initial three-year contract extendable by His Excellency the Governor by mutual agreement. The annual salary will be in the range of US$68,764 - 100,744 subject to skills & experience, plus fixed allowances. An inducement allowance may be payable to suitably qualified candidate, stated the advertisement.

9 Responses to “No new CoP until January 2016!”

  • my pick (29/10/2015, 08:55) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
    just give the dawn job to Bown
  • qualifiedmen (29/10/2015, 09:29) Like (2) Dislike (10) Reply

    We have qualified people in the Caribbean they can appoint as COP. We done tell them don't bring them w***e men down here. Who don't hear does feel. That one felt when Bill Johnny and Holder run leave he, right? Them pushing us. Hope them could take it when we push back. Alvin used to say, how long? We say, not long.

  • ground sea (29/10/2015, 09:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yo me me la ugh real loud
  • Mark (29/10/2015, 10:46) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    @my pick: You need to go back to grammer school.


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