Today, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Governor Daniel Pruce's controversial pick for the position of Interim Commissioner of Police of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), Mr Richard Ullger, was sworn in at Government House. Photo: Office of the Governor/Facebook

Richard Ullger, who has a checkered past as the former Commissioner of Police in Gibraltar, comes into the post at the expense of local Jacqueline E. Vanterpool. Photo: Facebook/File

Many see the reverting of Ms Jacqueline E. Vanterpool (right) as the Governor signalling early that he does not want her as Commissioner of Police, even after praising her work as acting Commissioner of Police a few months ago. Photo: RVIPF/File

Ullger, who has a checkered past as the former Commissioner of Police in Gibraltar, comes into the post at the expense of local Jacqueline E. Vanterpool, whom Governor Pruce defiantly reverted to Deputy Commissioner of Police despite the objections of the Police Service Commission (PoSC) and the Virgin Islands community.

Daniel having his way

Many see the reverting of Ms Vanterpool as the Governor signalling early that he does not want her as Commissioner of Police, even after praising her work as acting Commissioner of Police a few months ago. This means he will likely be using his colonial powers again to override the decision of the Police Service Commission, which sources say is expected to recommend Ms Vanterpool for the top post.

In fact, many had raised suspicions when the governor interfered with the recruitment process last year.

Governor Pruce is now suddenly pushing a narrative that Ms Vanterpool does not have what it takes to lead the RVIPF.

"The RVIPF continues to face significant challenges, including an increasingly complex criminal landscape, the need for internal reform, and the task of securing resources and training necessary to meet modern policing standards. These issues require strong leadership, strategic planning, and collaboration with partners across the Territory," the United Kingdom-appointed governor stated in a press release following the swearing in of Mr Ullger today.

The Governor's man

Mr Pruce also said he was pleased to welcome Richard Ullger as the new Interim Acting Commissioner of Police.

"While this appointment is temporary, pending the selection of a permanent Commissioner of Police, I am confident that Mr. Ullger's leadership will ensure the effective administration of the RVIPF and promote stability and professionalism within the force.

"I look forward to working closely with Mr Ullger and the dedicated men and women of the RVIPF as we continue to build a highly professional, fully vetted, and properly resourced police force-one that earns the trust and confidence of all those we serve," Governor Pruce stated.

Despite Mr Ullger's controversial history, Mr Pruce still recommended Mr Ullger and stated that he had been cleared of all the alleged wrongdoings. Many residents see this as a double standard, as Comptroller of Customs Mr Wade W. Smith has also been cleared of all wrongdoing in a court of law in the Virgin Islands, but still has not returned to his post.

Many public officers have been sent on leave for years over less damning allegations than those against Mr Ullger. One example is Ms Najah Christopher, who has been off her job (charged) for over three years for simply writing a letter stating that former Premier Andrew A. Fahie was Head of Government at the time of his arrest and should have been considered for diplomatic immunity.

A lower court has already tossed out the erroneous case that has no merits, but the Governor, it’s alleged, has ordered the Director of Public Prosecution to appeal.

See related articles below:

Bitter sweet moment for Richard Ullger who's retiring as Commissioner of Police after 37 years

Police Commissioner Richard Ullger cleared of wrongdoing after NCA investigation, GBC learns

Lawyers for police inspector & former officer question why Richard Ullger remains as Commissioner