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Mobile CCTV deployed to secure perimeter of HM Prison- RVIPF

- said move is to deter unlawful activity & stop contraband from reaching facility
A new mobile CCTV unit is now guarding the perimeter of HM Prison Balsam Ghut, part of a joint push by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) and His Majesty’s Prison Service to deter unlawful activity and stop contraband from reaching the facility. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
The mobile surveillance unit has been positioned in the vicinity of the HM Prison Balsam Ghut to add an extra layer of monitoring and act as a visible deterrent to suspicious behaviour, including attempts to smuggle prohibited items into the compound. Photo: VINO/File
The mobile surveillance unit has been positioned in the vicinity of the HM Prison Balsam Ghut to add an extra layer of monitoring and act as a visible deterrent to suspicious behaviour, including attempts to smuggle prohibited items into the compound. Photo: VINO/File
Officials say the measure builds on existing security protocols and strengthens ongoing collaboration between the RVIPF and the Prison Service to improve intelligence sharing, prevent criminal activity and protect officers, inmates and the wider community. Photo: Facebook
Officials say the measure builds on existing security protocols and strengthens ongoing collaboration between the RVIPF and the Prison Service to improve intelligence sharing, prevent criminal activity and protect officers, inmates and the wider community. Photo: Facebook
BALSAM GHUT, Tortola, VI- A new mobile CCTV unit is now guarding the perimeter of HM Prison in Balsam Ghut, part of a joint push by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) and His Majesty’s Prison Service to deter unlawful activity and stop contraband from reaching the facility.

Visible deterrent around prison grounds

The mobile surveillance unit has been positioned in the vicinity of the prison to add an extra layer of monitoring and act as a visible deterrent to suspicious behaviour, including attempts to smuggle prohibited items into the compound.

In a press statement, officials say the measure builds on existing security protocols and strengthens ongoing collaboration between the RVIPF and the Prison Service to improve intelligence sharing, prevent criminal activity and protect officers, inmates and the wider community. 

‘Practical & highly visible’ step- Interim ACoP

Interim Acting Commissioner of Police Richard Ullger described the deployment as a clear signal of the RVIPF’s commitment to working alongside the Prison Service.

“The security of HM Prison is an important part of protecting the wider Virgin Islands community,” Ullger said. “This deployment demonstrates the RVIPF’s commitment to working alongside HM Prison Service to deter criminal activity, support the security of the prison and safeguard the public.”

Superintendent of Prisons Jay Kendall thanked the police for the partnership, noting that contraband poses serious risks to staff, prisoners and the public.

“Contraband entering a prison presents a serious risk to staff, prisoners and the wider community,” Kendall said. “This practical and highly visible measure strengthens our collective efforts and sends a clear message that suspicious activity around the prison will be monitored and addressed.”

‘Smuggling into prison is a serious offence’- police

Authorities are reminding the public that introducing, attempting to introduce, or assisting with the introduction of prohibited items into HM Prison is a serious offence that will be pursued under the law.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development reiterated its commitment to protecting and promoting the health and social well-being of Virgin Islanders through effective policies, sustainable programmes and strategic partnerships that support a safe, healthy and resilient society.

9 Responses to “Mobile CCTV deployed to secure perimeter of HM Prison- RVIPF”

  • LOL (10/09/2026, 09:44) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    I don’t think that is how majority of contraband enters the prison. You should put those cameras on your guards.
  • … (10/09/2026, 10:32) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Another set up
  • Migoman (10/09/2026, 10:52) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Putting Cameras around the compound..
    Well ill be dammed.. I thought this would be standard practice for any prison institution..
  • Wellsah (10/09/2026, 12:33) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    give the public access for a monthly fee and generate some revenue
  • Breezy (10/09/2026, 12:36) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mobile CCT? Hmm? Maybe a FLOCK of new cameras around that facility would have a better solution yes?
  • Quietly (10/09/2026, 14:39) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    After a certain super dangerous prisoner walked away undetected we are now hearing about mobile camera? Mr. Alm****ca long gone. Anybody looking for him? Wow. This is a good idea though. Cameras cannot hurt. Secretly hidden cameras where even the low level guards are not aware of them is important as well.
  • Strupes (10/09/2026, 17:47) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    I ssee about two of them right there who will take bribe easily and throw the canabis over the fence same way when this hype here settle. same script different cast. money runs the bvi
  • ALL THE KILLINGS (10/09/2026, 21:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    ARE ON THE STREETS OUSIDE , SO IF THE PRISONERS ARE LOCKED UP PROPERLY , HOW CAN THEY ESCAPE UNLESS ITS AN INSIDE JOB ? / @QUIETLY, YOU MADE SOME GOOD POINTS BUT ACCORDING TO WHAT SECRETS HE HOLDS AND ON WHOM THEY HAD TO GET HIM OUT OF THERE ( QUIETLY & QUICKLY ) SO HIS WHEREABOUTS MAYBE UNKNOWN TO MOST OF US SO HE MAYBE OFF THE ISLAND / HE MAYBE ON THE ISLAND OR HE COULD BE RESTING IN PEACE - LIKE ( " 6 FT " ) IN THAT ORGANIZATION IF YOU ARE ATTRACTING TOO MUCH ATTENTION TO ORGANIZED CRIME OPERATION , YOU WILL BECOME A RISK FACTOR , AND THEY CAN'T AFFORD THAT , SO YOU WILL BE REPLACED , AND YOU WILL DISAPPEAR FOREVER .
  • A + (11/09/2026, 12:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    After they let them 2 Men out of jail and they still around here. I know that


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