Leaked Email: DPP had refuted CoP’s claims court matter was discontinued
In a leaked email by the Commissioner that was making the rounds on social media last year concerned the arrest and charging of an Inspector, Mr Collins while updating his Deputy St Clair Amory on the case said he had a discussion with the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) and the arrest matter had been discontinued.
Was the CoP encouraging lawbreaking?
In his email, he noted that there were “some issues with the arrest and process” and there “maybe video footage of the incident which would not have been used in evidence and should be destroyed”.
According to law, it’s a crime to destroy evidence.
Our newsroom had reported since October 2023 that sources had said the case had not been discontinued and the officer, now retired, was in court that same month.
Was the CoP telling the truth?
Mr Collins at a press conference on Thursday, October 12, 2023, alongside his boss Governor John J. Rankin, CMG and Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), claimed it was “an internal matter” and that he had “nothing to hide.” He said it was a matter between "two officers and I am aware of the leaked email."
"I will be very clear, it was not evidence related to a particular case. It was between two individual officers, one who threatened to release something about another officer, and I told him not to do [release] it and if he did do it there would be an investigation."
New evidence goes against CoP
In an email obtained by sources familiar with the matter; however, Director of Public Prosecutions Tiffany R. Scatliffe Esprit, LL.M., responding to Mr Amory regarding his statement that the Police Commissioner had led him to believe the matter involving the Inspector was discontinued, said she was “most displeased to learn about the inaccurate statements” regarding her position in the matter.
The DPP in the email dated October 11, 2021, further said the misinformation places herself and the Police in an undesirable position, especially in these times when the Public Service’s transparency and ethical conduct are being questioned.
“It is hoped that my memoranda on this matter make it very clear that we will proceed with the matter unless the VC states in a MG11 statement or a sworn affidavit” that they did not wish to proceed.
“No notice of discontinuance has been issued nor will one be issued without that document. It is most disingenuous for such an assertion to have been made, especially in the circumstances where a police officer committed an offence in uniform and was video recorded,” DDP Scatliffe Esprit had stated.
Will the CoP step aside?
It was in June 2022, when Mr Collins came under fire from the public after he released what many described as a racist and disturbing video of the Territory where it was depicted as a crime-infested jurisdiction and a narco-state. He claimed the video was a recruiting tool; however, he faced no sanctions as his pal Governor Rankin told the media he pardoned him and accepted his apology.
In early December, a petition was signed by some 30 persons in the Virgin Islands, including officers in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), calling for the removal of the Commissioner of Police from office, with the justification being 55 damning allegations made against him.
It remains unclear if any investigations have been launched into the allegations or the current status of the petition.
Meanwhile, some public servants have been sent on administrative leave on mere allegations, while the CoP remains undisturbed despite no less than 55 allegations against him and the force.
Opposition Member Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) is supporting calls for an independent review of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) amidst allegations of corruption, including against the Commissioner.
Additionally, co-host of the Talking Points radio show Damion C. Grange believes Mr Collins should step aside as Police Commissioner to allow for an independent investigation.
Minister for Communications and Works, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) also said in a recent House of Assembly (HoA) meeting that the voices of the persons who signed the petition against the Commissioner must be heard.
See related articles:
CoP finally answers leaked email on request to conceal & destroy evidence
Hon Penn supports ‘independent review’ of RVIPF ‘from the head come down’
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33 Responses to “Leaked Email: DPP had refuted CoP’s claims court matter was discontinued”
That isnt going to happen.
So maybe think about emmigrating.
You are spot on. As a public officer I am amazed how this man can get away with all these allegations and alleged corrupt actions and allowed to investigate himself and then exalt himself in the media. This can never be correct. This is modern day slavery.
Mr. commissioner don't mind the noise, its a group of disgruntled officers who cannot get their way and we all know is being led by one of your DCP, the aim is to discredit you and force you out, but i want you to disappoint them by being steadfast in your endeavors, we need more senior UK officers in the RVIPF if we intend to save the RVIPF.
Signed--- Senior Police Officer.