An anti-corruption unit needed in the VI?
In an exclusive interview with this news agency, David Morris stated that corruption is an abuse of position and a breach of trust in a public office.
However, the first priority in the Force’s strategic plan, according to the acting COP, is to develop the trust and confidence in the police force, and to do that “we must ensure that we do not have corruption, abuse, prejudice or discrimination.”
“If any officer here caught for corruption [he or she] will face criminal charges and if convicted will be dismissed. If they don’t face criminal charges, they will certainly face disciplinary charges and that applies to any public agencies in the BVI,” he emphasised.
And in an effort to maintain the integrity and transparency of investigating a corrupt officer or public official, the seasoned police officer stated that an anti-corruption unit could be an option.
“What I would say is that we need to think about a department in Government on how do we respond to allegations of corruption. At the moment such allegations are reported to the police and we investigate it...and of course we investigate ourselves. We should be thinking if there is a need for an anti-corruption unit where such allegations about officers, public figures, public servants can be referred to and investigated, that is independent, seems to be fair and hold those reports in confidence,” Morris said.
According to him, he comes from an environment where such units exist. When asked if any officer was dismissed for corruption, the acting COP replied, “None that I know of.”
However, several Customs Officers have been charged and are before the courts for breach of trust, while one Immigration Officer is in the mix.
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