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Alwin James back on job, acting as CoP; Jacqueline E. Vanterpool acting Deputy

- Superintendent Vanterpool also makes history as first female acting Deputy Commissioner
Deputy Police Commissioner, Alwin James (left) will be acting as Commissioner of Police (CoP) effective May 11, 2018 to May 28, 2018, while police superintendent, Ms Jacqueline E. Vanterpool has been appointed acting Deputy Commissioner for the same duration. Photo: VINO/Hezekiah E. Maddox
CoP Michael B. Mathews is on vacation leave and is reported to have returned to the United Kingdom. Photo: VINO/File
CoP Michael B. Mathews is on vacation leave and is reported to have returned to the United Kingdom. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- A few weeks ago our newsroom was the first to accurately report that Deputy Police Commissioner, Alwin James was hospitalised and had to be taken to Puerto Rico to undergo medical attention.

The long-time senior police officer returned to the Territory a few weeks ago and, effective May 11, 2018 to May 28, 2018, will be acting as Commissioner of Police (CoP).

CoP Michael B. Mathews is on vacation leave and is reported to have returned to the United Kingdom.

In addition, police superintendent Ms Jacqueline E. Vanterpool has been appointed acting Deputy Commissioner for the same duration.

More history for Vanterpool

While this may seem like a routine matter, in fact, it is history being made as Ms Vanterpool, a local, becomes the first female to act in the post of Deputy Commissioner.

Our newsroom caught up with Commissioner Mathews who confirmed the appointments and added, “it’s important to provide development opportunities to my senior officers... that is all about planning for the future too."

It was on July 12, 2016, that the Virgin Gorda native made history also when she was appointed the first female Superintendent in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), after having served over 24 years.

Superintendent Vanterpool formerly served as Acting Chief Inspector of the RVIPF. She was responsible for the Virgin Gorda and Anegada Constabulary.

Over the years, police officers have complained that local police are not promoted, harassed and marginalised. Many have claimed that the force is divided by race, and the local's versus the police from other Caribbean islands and sexism and corruption are allegedly also rampant.

13 Responses to “Alwin James back on job, acting as CoP; Jacqueline E. Vanterpool acting Deputy”

  • wize up (15/05/2018, 14:11) Like (28) Dislike (2) Reply
    nice to see officer Vanterpool growing through the ranks....
  • Yes (15/05/2018, 15:09) Like (23) Dislike (20) Reply
    Both of them could run the police force so mike can stay on vacation lol
  • E. Leonard (15/05/2018, 17:00) Like (22) Dislike (2) Reply
    DCoP (acting) Jacqueline E. Vanterpool, you are trailblazer, setting and maintaining a high standard of performance worthy of emulation. Stay focus, keeping punching tickets and climbing the ladder. Fran is flashing a broad warm smile. You are making us proud.
    • vg pride (18/05/2018, 04:16) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Unc bigging you up. Nice. VG rocks! Keep striving, keep reaching for the stars. Ignore the haters. Keep the faith.
  • Dirt (15/05/2018, 17:15) Like (9) Dislike (19) Reply
    Both of who? You better reevaluate that statement with the level of unscrupulous behaviour from that same one who think they in charge.
  • trrefdrfds (15/05/2018, 18:06) Like (18) Dislike (3) Reply
    We need a women chief
  • ReX FeRal (15/05/2018, 19:24) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Hmm. Solo Hmm.
  • Dick Vandarm (15/05/2018, 19:53) Like (6) Dislike (9) Reply
    Commissioner Matthews, my question to you, if it is so important to provide development opportunities for your senior officers and it’s all about planning for the future, why wasn’t that hard working Chief Inspector who works under superintendent Vanterpool and who have the department in high regards given the opportunity to act superintendent seeing that Ms. Vanterpool is acting deputy. Do you consider this move fair and transparent and one that will build good comradery and morale. Can you please answer me honestly.
    • BVIslander (21/05/2018, 15:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Dick Vandarm: try go and sit down. I doubt are even a BVIslander
  • police (16/05/2018, 07:24) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Very good move mathews is good for we
  • Police Offiec (16/05/2018, 11:46) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    You know this is not Dick Vandarm. You know you is a member of the RVIPF asking this question. Be upfront and say who you are, or go to the commissioner himself and asked.
  • kaiso (17/05/2018, 13:36) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    Way too much infighting and jockeying for
    positions and promotions within the RVIPF and not enough policing period! The force is regrettably regressing and will not move forward until many of those senior managers/cops have vacated. Ask why the stats show the picture of unsolved crimes going back decades while many were still there! Vanterpool congrats and defend the locals against those dark forces within plotting against you also - you know them all!


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