RVIPF not been getting due recognition- David Morris
“One of my frustrations here is that the RVIPF takes a lot of knocks and doesn’t get the type of recognition it should get,” Mr Morris told the host of Open Mic, Mr Julio S. Henry, during an interview aired on CBN Channel 51 on August 1, 2015.
According to Morris, the RVIPF has reduced crime by 25% in comparison to last year, and has reduced crime last year compared to previous years. He added that robberies and burglaries are down and no longer are there frequent burglaries on businesses on Main Street.
The Virgin Islands, he said, is still a very safe place to live and work.
“We have put some bad guys away. You could ask our Superintendent of Prisons,” Mr Morris said but noted that the work of the RVIPF seems to go unnoticed.
“I as the Commissioner can take the knocks. I am here to do a job and I have to do what I have to do but the force has got a lot of good people who do a lot of good work day and night and sometimes that recognition isn’t there from the press, the politicians or the community.”
At this point Mr Henry suggested that the RVIPF uses it “PR people” to “paint the picture you want to paint” for the public.
“We just put the information out there and that is where the media picks it up and put whatever spin on it,” Mr Morris replied.
RVIPF commended for arrest of US fugitive
Meanwhile, Mr Henry commended the RVIPF for its recent arrest of wanted US fugitive J’wa Emone Charlery known as ‘Balla’.
Mr Morris then said the RVIPF had been notified by US authorities that Charlery was suspected to be hiding out in the VI. He added that it was an operation that caused nervous moments for him and his Deputy since the fugitive was believed to be armed and dangerous and “had nothing to lose”.
The outgoing Commissioner also said he was relieved that Charlery was captured before the Emancipation Festival. The fugitive has since been extradited to the United States of America.
Mr Henry said he believed the RVIPF was doing a good job but called for more “stop and search” operations.
Mr Morris’ contract with the RVIPF will end on August 31, 2015 but he will depart the territory from August 12, 2015 on leave. His replacement has already been identified, according to Governor John S. Duncan OBE.
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