Governor Daniel Pruce (left) has said that if confirmed, his nomination for interim Acting Commissioner of Police, Richard Ullger (right) will hold the position only temporarily. Photo: Facebook/GCB

Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool is expected to report to work on November 18, 2025, in her substantive position as Deputy Commissioner of Police. Photo: RVIPF

Governor Pruce announced on November 7, 2025, his decision to remove local Acting CoP Jacqueline E. Vanterpool, revert her to her substantive position as Deputy Commissioner of Police, and bring in a white male to fill the role. 

His nominee to the Police Service Commission (PSC) is Richard Ullger, former Commissioner of Police of Gibraltar, another UK Overseas Territory. 

Ullger not nominated for role permanently

“I’ve sought the advice of the Police Service Commission on that nomination, in line with the usual constitutional process. His appointment, if confirmed, would be temporary. He would serve as Interim Acting Commissioner of Police for a limited period,” the Governor said in a follow-up statement on Friday, November 14, 2025. 

Since the announcement, Governor Pruce has received major public criticism, with many accusing him and the UK of wanting a UK national to fill the role. He has also been accused of being racist and sexist.

A week of protest activities was held last week, beginning with a protest outside the Governor’s Office on Monday, November 10, 2025 and ending with a March for Democracy on Friday, November 14, 2025. 

The week also included a town hall meeting, a panel discussion and the launch of the Virgin Islands Petition Against Governor's Commissioner Decision. 

Governor Pruce, in his statement, added, “ I have not nominated Richard Ullger to be the new Permanent Commissioner.”

Ullger himself found himself under the microscope while in Gibraltar after coming under scrutiny during a special Commission of Inquiry (CoI) examining the purported forced retirement of former Gibraltar Police Commissioner, Mr Ian McGrail.

Governor Pruce acknowledged that there have been reports about these allegations against Ullger. Still, he noted, “A review conducted at the time by the UK's National Crime Agency found no supporting evidence for those allegations.”

Many see this as a clear double standard by the Governor, as locals like Wade N. Smith, the former Comptroller of Customs, and Najan Christopher, the former Director of the International Affairs Secretariat, have been cleared of wrongdoing but have not been recalled to duty.

Process to appoint CoP is a separate matter 

The Governor also explained that the process of appointing a permanent Commissioner of Police is separate from these matters and is still currently ongoing. 

“The Police Service Commission has been managing the recruitment process, and I shall consider their recommendation in due course, having sought the advice of the National Security Council.”

According to reports, the Police Service Commission had recommended Ms Vanterpool for the position before Governor Pruce decided to remove her as Acting CoP. 

She is expected to report to work as Deputy Commissioner of Police as of Tuesday, November 18, 2025. 

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. This means he will likely be using his colonial powers again to override the decision of the Police Service Commission.

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