Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

VI Citizens hesitant to cooperate with Force – CoP Matthews

-Says local people are uncooperative and lack confidence in justice system
Commissioner of Police at the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), Mr Michael B. Matthews says in all his years of working in the police force around the world, the people of the Virgin Islands (VI) remain the most uncooperative in supporting the work of their local officers. Photo: VINO/File
According to Mr Matthews, while policing is different around the world, factors such as modern the force is and how established and progressive the county is accounts for the level of police/public co-operation received. Photo: VINO/File
According to Mr Matthews, while policing is different around the world, factors such as modern the force is and how established and progressive the county is accounts for the level of police/public co-operation received. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Commissioner of Police at the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), Mr Michael B. Matthews says in all his years of working in the police force around the world, the people of the Virgin Islands (VI) remain the most uncooperative in supporting the work of their local officers.

The Top CoP was at the time responding to a question about how he finds policing in the VI as compared to policing in other parts of the world, at a Road Town Rotary meeting, yesterday, Wednesday, January 23, 2019, at The Moorings. 

Hesitant

"I’ve worked across Europe, I’ve worked in the states, I’ve worked in the Australia and I’ve worked in the UK and the one thing I would say that stands out for me and this is not a criticism, this is about the task at hand… Is the people here in the Virgin Islands are hesitant to work with the police service,” he told those gathered at the event.

According to Mr Matthews, while policing is different around the world, factors such as how modern the force is and how established and progressive the county is accounts for the level of police/public cooperation received.

In the case of the VI, he says the lack of cooperation is especially a challenge because people are just unwilling to assist.

“They are hesitant to provide witness testimony, there are hesitant to stand up and say this is wrong and we need to do something about it and we need to support our police to do that,” he said in frustration.

“I do find that a personal challenge because I have not found that anywhere else,” Mr Matthews revealed.

Cooperation needed - Matthews 

“I was on a talk show quite recently, Honestly Speaking, Claude Skelton-Cline’s show [and] I gave an example and I said in the United States a tragedy occurred couple weeks ago… a drive-by shooting and in that car a 5-year-old child died… an absolute tragedy.” 

He said twenty-four hours later, about five hundred people protested on the steps of the police station over that death of the child.

“In December 2017 we had a drive-by shooting in the West End, an 11-year-old child died. Where was the protest?” the Top CoP questioned. 

“I know that it is a sobering and rather negative note, but it also tells me the work to do… policing has a responsibility here to give people the courage and confidence in the criminal justice system to come forward and to say enough is enough.” 

32 Responses to “VI Citizens hesitant to cooperate with Force – CoP Matthews ”

  • ... (24/01/2019, 14:22) Like (20) Dislike (20) Reply
    too much police snitch
    • Hmm (24/01/2019, 15:59) Like (6) Dislike (15) Reply
      ... People like you is our issues
    • snitchy snitch (24/01/2019, 18:02) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
      How the hell he expected them to corporate when the police don't even want to cooperate with the police....hmm. The force only getting worst trust me. The younger officers lack knowledge. All the knowlegable senior officers are leaving one by one. Lack of cooperation fromm from them own
  • guy hill (24/01/2019, 14:44) Like (40) Dislike (2) Reply
    I agree with the Commissioner on this. We need to develop a culture where the corrupt individuals fears the incorruptible individuals and not the other way around. Be Brave.
  • wait wait (24/01/2019, 16:07) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    Hmmm u never hear bout pillow talk
  • Tola Man (24/01/2019, 16:08) Like (6) Dislike (30) Reply
    Put locals in more top position and you will see a difference
    • DISAGREE (25/01/2019, 09:35) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      For this particular position, I think we need an outside p.o.v. which is what we have. It's the locals and other residents he's referring too anyways.
  • Islandboyy (24/01/2019, 16:29) Like (9) Dislike (28) Reply
    The foreign cops allow their country men to get away with evertything,and arrest the locals .there fire the resement,and lack of cooperatikn.
  • X_caliberator (24/01/2019, 17:01) Like (29) Dislike (2) Reply

    The whole system is corrupt and therefore that is why no one wants to assist, that's the reality. I read the news almost everyday I see crimes of murder, molestation, guns and drugs, then you can see certain political figures pleading for the same criminals saying they're good boys and girls. Yet every entrance in every district they represent, only to be welcomed not by the tourist board but by drug pushers...Maybe Funding campaigns. Have you ever wondered why nothing is being done? How could someone come forward unless they have a death wish, police and political corruption everywhere. People cry out on these blogs because they feel some sort of safety and a level of anonymity. I've gone to a few people before to ask advice about certain things I've seen while explaining my dilemma a blunt look as if I need to keep my mouth shut because they're involved or someone they know might be involved. The truth of the matter is you don't know who to trust and therefore people rather remain silent than made silent if you understand my meaning. Sometimes you have to post stuff on multiple news sites because they filter what they want to put out there and its usually to fuel HATE. It's 2019 allegations of numerous matters on corruption and WHITE Collar Crime from East to West, these islands being a cesspool of for illegal activities that we condone everyday, the same people we turn to ask for help are the same people related some way or the next. The Only thing we need or that can help issssss GOD Save Us All......men Can't help. FYI my .i.p

  • Gandalf (24/01/2019, 17:13) Like (20) Dislike (4) Reply
    That's because you (as the leader) and a large portion of your force are completely spineless, useless, and incompetent! The department just goes through the motions with minimal effort and every excuse not to step up and serve as you have committed to do so. Be it because of lack of resources, low moral, or whatever. Step up and serve the people because we are getting frustrated.
  • Excalibur (24/01/2019, 17:28) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    The whole system is corrupt and therefore that is why no one wants to assist, that's the reality. I read the news almost everyday I see crimes of murder, molestation, guns and drugs, then you can see certain political figures eh em (zone 6) and others pleading for the same criminals saying they're good boys and girls. Yet every entrance in every district they represent, only to be welcomed not by the tourist board but by drug pushers...Maybe Funding campaigns. Have you ever wondered why nothing is being done? How could someone come forward unless they have a death wish, police and political corruption everywhere. People cry out on these blogs because they feel some sort of safety and a level of anonymity. I've gone to a few people before to ask advice about certain things I've seen while explaining my dilemma a blunt look as if I need to keep my mouth shut because they're involved or someone they know might be involved. The truth of the matter is you don't know who to trust and therefore people rather remain silent than made silent if you understand my meaning. Sometimes you have to post stuff on multiple news sites because they filter what they want to put out there and its usually to fuel HATE. It's 2019 allegations of numerous matters on corruption and WHITE Collar Crime from East to West, these islands being a cesspool of for illegal activities that we condone everyday, the same people we turn to ask for help are the same people related some way or the next. The Only thing we need or that can help issssss GOD Save Us All......men Can't help. FYI my .i.p
  • @ x (24/01/2019, 17:49) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    I agree with you. The commissioner has acknowledged a problem but he has not begged the question as to WHY this is happening. The places that he is referencing are huge with millions of people. The BVI is small and everybody knows everybody. He has to beg the question if the public TRUSTS the police and has confidence in them and I can bet you the majority of the public does not. The bigger issue is confidentiality and safety. People may want to come forward with information but they are scared, especially depending on the case and the fear of whoever retaliating. The place isn’t even big enough for witness protection, furthermore is the police going to stand watch at their door 24/7 to protect them? No - no resources to do such things. So while he’s encouraging people to be forthcoming with info, he needs to root out those who can’t keep information confidential in the police force and train his force to build a relationship with the public so that the dynamic changes. I’m not saying all police are brutal and have mouths that run like water, but some of them exist and he needs to admit that to himself.
  • ThatCopIsStupid (24/01/2019, 18:01) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Caption part is untrue, in a small community there is no escape and if i can't trust the cop to keep my name and testimony private and not endanger my life I wouldn't be willing to speak. I am older enough to remember a VI safe and peaceful VI...what has happen in the last 20-25 years to change this!!!!

    “They are hesitant to provide witness testimony, THERE ARE HESITANT TO STAND UP AND SAY THIS IS WRONG and we need to do something about it and we need to support our police to do that,” he said in frustration.

    I don'
  • zan (24/01/2019, 18:30) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    We have too many dam criminals in the force, when some of their own people see them in the service they wonder how he get there or she get there. Go to the station to make a report come in the morning when Peter or Paul comes in they can’t deal with that. What the hell they are being paid for to walk around with a phone to their ear let them go find the criminals. We fraid for our lives.
    • wow (25/01/2019, 08:33) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      Exactly! We know there is a shortage of Officers, but that doesn't mean we should hire every darn expatriate that applies. Is there a comprehensive background search being done? Do all these applicants meet the critirea of being a member of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force? I seriously have my doubts and so do other concern citizens. So, its hard to imagine some people being Officers based on their persona, actions and their demeanor. Its all about making the UD$
  • aUtOzOnE (24/01/2019, 18:32) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    I would help you’ll solve stuff,but I mit end up dead cause the police can’t keep there mouths shut!! I know an see a lot
  • @ cop (24/01/2019, 18:39) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    if the snitch them cooperated and the police cooperated with “ people “ them know “ass-ociates” then the culprits find out what happens next. riddle me that
  • My my my (24/01/2019, 19:13) Like (23) Dislike (0) Reply
    How can you report anything to the police when the police go to the scenes and call their people’s and tell them whatever happened,
    I had an incident at my house one night and I called the police to deal with it the next morning I was at one mark and a lady who lives in town walked up to me and asked me about the incident when I asked her how she knew about it she told me one of her friends a policeman who was there told her about it never me again
  • NezRez (24/01/2019, 19:31) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    What the Commissioner needs to understand is in the big countries, police have no personal knowledge of citizens, and confidential information is kept secret. When something happens and a witness comes forward, no one in the neighborhood knows who told. On this small island, everyone knows who told, putting that persons life in danger. The fear of being a target for telling on someone is overwhelming. I know it is crippling investigations and I really don’t know how this problem will be solved. Sad.
  • really?? (25/01/2019, 01:52) Like (29) Dislike (0) Reply
    I reported a minor traffic accident when an uninsured vehicle hit my car. The female officer that came on the scene acted unprofessional and hostiled. She did nothing to assist the scene and then took months to report the accident. I tried to report the matter to her supervisor who told me that I should have allowed this officer to downgrade me. I then tried to contact with the complaints officer several times and then with you Commissioner ‘several times’. I left three messages for you at the police station. I would guess you never received my messages. (Hostile to work with the police force you say?) ‘The force is corrupt Commissioner.’
    • Ditto (25/01/2019, 13:18) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      I had exactly the same experience plus been trying to get the police report FOR A YEAR!
      • @Ditto (25/01/2019, 18:24) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        ... and by the time you do receive the police documents it is too late to take the case to court. If the officer is from Dominica etc. and you get into an accident with someone from their country that they know this is the protocol. Stall the paperwork until the victim gives up or the system fails them.
    • cromwell (25/01/2019, 13:47) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      Spot on, the Commissioner has no interest in meeting with the public, he avoids all contact.
      He is reaping the reward for that behavior
    • @ really?? (25/01/2019, 18:33) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      I chuckled when I read your comment because the complaints department aka waste of blasted time is exactly that. Makes no sense to complain because nothing is done to improve. I think the head of the force is oblivious to what’s going on.
  • No better (25/01/2019, 08:23) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is it the Citizen or the Police ? Its a two half problem and blaming one half give the other half a green light ...I'm thinking is it that the citizen do not want to cooperate or its also the failure or the building relationship skill of the police ... Like I say its a two half problem with a two half solution .Examine both halves..
  • Fukrey in deh Vi (25/01/2019, 08:48) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dehman ayu police is currently and will forever this way due to the dirty police officers in the station as soon as somebody talk they goin n Tellin who talk and as soon as you talk and leave the station you hear days, weeks or even months later somebody dead Dehman ayu bomb out dem roach in there
  • Lodge man (25/01/2019, 09:27) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    The Cop should shame to say that cause he has alot of lodge brothers that he can't offend that's why.
  • soo (25/01/2019, 12:01) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I have found that since the 90' maybe a little beyond that here in the Virgin Islands a right has become a wrong and a wrong has become a right. Many of the young people especially men have became very disrespectful. A property owner with the help of God has to be strong and challenge them in several ways because when you talk to them they giving you back chat like who are you I can do what I want whenever I want to. It is so sad that most of them came from a single parent and that parent is condoning that behavior by encouraging them challenge you. They are also taught to do wrong, see wrong and keep silent about it.
  • Hmm (25/01/2019, 13:38) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    bring in uk cops get rid of locals and expats!!!! they all talk to much. so that's y no one trust them
  • 2 grand (25/01/2019, 14:58) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    until every one realize no one is above the law from police judiciary politicians preachers or what ever title you carry then and only then will things fall in law and order. the ten laws of the most high breaking them is called sin meaning transgressing.= SIN take it how you will. all have sinned and come short
  • melissa read (13/05/2019, 01:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    until then... It has been 17 days since my brother, Branson Read passed... AND I STILL DONT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED!!!!! no results no police investigation,,,, ????? POLICE FORCE HAS DONE NOTHING!!!! Except to my knowledge REFUSE HIM CPR!!!!!


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.