UPDATE: 'I will seek to continue to drive crime down'- CoP Matthews
In an exclusive interview with Virgin Islands News Online (VINO), CoP Matthews further pointed to the needs of the Force—post-hurricane Irma and Maria—as his new area of focus, given his extended leadership role.
Developing RVIPF
“The hurricanes of 2017 created a serious delay to our modernisation agenda and it is my hope that during this additional period I can continue on the path of fully developing the capability and capacity of the force to deliver the most modern standard of policing achievable here,” he told this news site on May 3, 2019.
According to Mr Matthews, “My focus will be very much in growing the skills of the officers and staff ensuring effective training and equipment to maintain high quality policing effectiveness and management.”
Further, he noted, that while there is a renewed focus, he will continue to drive a ‘localism agenda’ to attract locals in particular, to the force as well as look to develop existing officers and staff for the more senior positions in the future.
“I will also, of course, seek to continue the Force's 5-year record now of driving crime down and increasing detections by bringing offenders to justice,” he said.
Gratitude
Mr Matthews has been leading the RVIPF since April 20, 2016, some several months after former Police Commissioner, David Morris left the post vacant.
Before his leading role in the RVIPF, Matthews was the former Chief Constable for the Sovereign Base Areas Police in Cyprus and climbed the ranks of the Gloucestershire Constabulary in the UK.
With two more years at the helm of the RVIPF, Matthews says he is thankful for the confidence shown in him, “I am most grateful to the Police Service Commission, National Security Council and HE the Governor [Augustus J. U. Jaspert] for their continued confidence in me!” he added.
- Governor extends appointment of Commissioner of Police Michael B. Matthews for 2 years
Commissioner of Police Michael B. Matthews has been given an additional two years at the helm of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF).
His Excellency the Governor, Mr Augustus J.U. Jaspert, acting in accordance with sections 97(1) and 97(2) of the Virgin Islands Constitution, following the recommendation of the Virgin Islands Police Service Commission and advice of the National Security Council, extended the appointed of Mr Matthews as Police Commissioner of the RVIPF effective April 20, 2019 for a period of two years, a press release from the Department of Information on May 1, 2019, stated.
According to the Governor, Mr Matthews has led the RVIPF in demanding circumstances, dealing with significant public order and safety concerns, whilst also continuing efforts to build and strengthen the Force for the long term through strategic planning.
Grateful for support- Governor Jaspert
He added that the Commissioner continues to bring policing insight and experience with strong leadership and communications skills to great effect.
“I am very grateful for the support of Commissioner Matthews to the Territory and to the National Security Council. His leadership has ensured that the Territory’s policing is emerging strengthened from the events of 2017. I am grateful for all that he has done and to all the RVIPF officers and staff who work hard to help keep us safe.”
Governor Jaspert further said he was pleased with Commissioner Matthews’ support to his senior team in developing their capability. “This includes building the capability of his senior officers as future leaders.”
Mr Matthews was first appointed Commissioner of Police in the Virgin Islands on April 20, 2016.
Efforts to reach Mr Matthews for a comment were not successful up to the time of publication.
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