In what could be considered as the last major act of local Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool (6th from left), the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) officially relaunched its Community Policing Unit (CPU) on November 17, 2025. Photo: RVIPF

The relaunch of the Community Policing Unit of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is seen as a fitting tribute to Ms Jacqueline E. Vanterpool, who was known to be “an on-the-ground” type of Commissioner, whom the public felt connected to and believed was most suitable to be confirmed to the post. Photo: RVIPF

Some of the officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) trained in community policing. Photo: RVIPF

The relaunch is seen as a fitting tribute to Ms Vanterpool, who was known to be “an on-the-ground” type of Commissioner, whom the public felt connected to and believed was most suitable to be confirmed to the post.

The United Kingdom-appointed governor, Daniel Pruce, had other ideas; however, as he used his colonial powers afforded to him in the Constitution to remove Ms Vanterpool from her acting post, against the wishes of the Police Service Commission (PSC) and reverted her to Deputy Commissioner of Police effective November 18, 2025.

Governor Pruce is now suddenly pushing a narrative that Ms Vanterpool does not have what it takes to lead the RVIPF, even after praising her efforts a few months ago.

A collective responsibility

The relaunch of the Community Policing Unit was announced on Monday, November 17, 2025, by the Acting Commissioner of Police, who emphasised that the RVIPF cannot deliver truly effective service without strong, trust-based relationships with the public. 

Acting Commissioner Vanterpool also noted that supporting the CPU is a collective responsibility shared across the organisation.

“Every officer, regardless of assignment, has a role to play,” she stated. “Our success depends on teamwork, communication, professionalism, and empathy. Community policing is not merely a unit, it is a philosophy.”

Rebuilding a defining hallmark of the RVIPF

For decades, community policing has been a defining hallmark of the RVIPF, anchored in the belief that strong police-community partnerships are essential to effective service. Since 2012, this philosophy has been formally embedded within the Force’s strategic priorities to guide its policing approach.

Despite its historical success, community policing experienced a decline in momentum in recent years, the RVIPF stated in a press release.

Meanwhile, acting Commissioner Vanterpool noted that rebuilding public trust and strengthening relationships with residents requires a deliberate return to genuine citizen-centred engagement.

112 officers trained in community policing

In her first 100 days as Acting Commissioner, Vanterpool made it one of her primary objectives to restore and reinforce this policing model, underscoring that every officer must embrace the principles of community policing, the RVIPF stated.

This renewed focus drove the launch of a robust training programme, which began on August 11, 2025, and was delivered over six weeks by Officium Training Limited of Trinidad & Tobago.

A total of 112 officers were trained, including 22 officers who completed the Train-the-Trainer component. These trainers are now fully equipped to support the CPU’s mandate and help lead the effort to regain the public’s trust and confidence.