Successor to controversial CoP David Morris identified!
Virgin Islands News Online had reported on July 24, 2015 that the hunt was on for a new Commissioner of Police since Mr Morris was not renewing his contract as the top cop.
Ms Mays had also said the Police Service Commission (PSC) had interviewed candidates and the National Security Council (NSC) would discuss the matter this week. It is, however, still not clear how many candidates were interviewed and whether there were any locals interviewed for the position.
Speaking at the Completion Exercise and Passing Out Parade for the inaugural Police Recruit Training at the Grounds of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) this afternoon, July 30, 2015, Governor Duncan said the National Security Council (NSC) this week approved the recommendation from the Police Service Commission (PSC) on the appointment of Mr Morris’ successor as RVIPF Commissioner.
“I hope to be able to make the announcement on this in the coming days,” Governor Duncan said.
Good remarks for Morris
Meanwhile, Governor Duncan sought to give Mr Morris a good early send off as he commended him for what he termed as Mr Morris’ many initiatives across a range of issues to make the RVIPF a modern police force that seeks to be sensitive to the needs of a small island community yet able to tackle the challenges of 21st century criminality.
“From the modern uniform you wear today to the introduction of tasers and CCTV cameras, to the modernisation of the 30 year old Standing Orders into force policy and procedures, Commissioner Morris leaves this territory with a tangible record of achievement.”
Governor Duncan, however, noted that the changes pushed by Morris were also seen as “controversial” just like how any change is often deemed.
“However, the comments by the public on some of the recent media articles showed that even if there is more to do on the road ahead, Commissioner Morris’ efforts have been appreciated by the overwhelming majority of the public.”
The recent capture of the FBI’s 15th most wanted prisoner and the interception of yet another major drug smuggling attempt are, according to the Governor, a fine note for Mr Morris to leave upon.
Duncan blasts ‘uncooperative’ ranks
Governor Duncan also had some words for those persons in the force who are considered to be opposed to change. According to him, it is only to be expected that some have sought to delay and disrupt the process of modernisation.
“Those who refuse to use the established procedures for complaints and who misuse their constitutional rights to frustrate progress do need to ask themselves whether they are truly meeting their obligations to serve our community.
And I say to them, you have to decide whether you truly wish to be part of this organisation because the process of change will not wait for you.”
Morris tenure rocked by allegations & court cases against him
Former United Kingdom appointed Governor William B. McCleary had appointed Morris as the Commissioner of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) in 2013.
Since taking office as Deputy Commissioner of Police and then Acting Commissioner, Mr Morris came under fire for many unpopular decisions he made. He instituted a controversial exam, which is the subject of speculation about its motives. His claim is to test officers for promotion. It is unknown if he, as the then Deputy Commissioner, had to take an exam before taking up his own job in the Virgin Islands.
Two officers of the Virgin Islands Police Force had challenged the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force’s 2012 promotions policy in the High Court. The officers had argued that the policy violates their constitutional rights.
High Court Justice Vicki Ann Ellis in May 2015, however, struck down the claim by the officers.
In summary, Morris’ tenure saw him facing many court cases brought on by fellow police officers, including challenge to decisions made by him.
According to reports, Morris will be departing the territory in early August, 2015.
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17 Responses to “Successor to controversial CoP David Morris identified!”
Dem want to get promotion which equal more money and when they should be doing the government work they somewhere lay up in a road side bar.. Set of stupid fools we have for police
The problem is Tortola People too spoil and always like to have things their way especially in the work place.
http://www.angelfire.com/sk/ajk/Malone/dcp91.html