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New Associate's Degree programme coming for law enforcement officers

- Programme will be administered through the Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute
The new training programme for law enforcement officers in the Virgin Islands will last for two years, and successful participants will receive an Associate's Degree. Photo: RVIPF/File
Dr Connie E. George, left, the Director of the Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute, during the special feature with Communications Officer II, Mr Eusa Z. Adams on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
Dr Connie E. George, left, the Director of the Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute, during the special feature with Communications Officer II, Mr Eusa Z. Adams on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- As a series of measures is being taken by the government to address the issues of crime within the Virgin Islands society, a new initiative is being launched through the Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute.

Dr Connie E. George, the Director of the Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute, announced this during a special feature with Communications Officer II, Mr Eusa Z. Adams, regarding VIPSLI's 2025 Mid-Year Update on Facebook on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

The new training programme for law enforcement officers in the Virgin Islands will last for two years, and successful participants will receive an Associate's Degree.

The programme is being developed in partnership with a reputable institution based in the Caribbean, which has its origins in the United States; however, the name of the institution has not yet been officially revealed.

The director of VIPSLI stated, "Our main goal, our main purpose, is to strengthen the capability and the readiness of the Virgin Islands Public Service and, definitely as we equip them, we want them to make a difference in the service that comes through the public offices of the government."

The VIPSLI, now in its second year, is a proposed institution that aims to develop training and certification programs for public servants through a partnership with the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), focusing on enhancing public service delivery.

Leadership training

Dr George stated, "We are looking forward to rolling out some leadership training. We have noted very keenly, and the reports have shown that we have a gap, and that gap is those persons who are currently in the leadership seat and those persons who may be prepared to take over these chairs. So we have to begin to prepare them, so we are looking at rolling out a leadership training programme, an associate's degree, two-year programme for law enforcement officers."

She further stated that discussions among the involved agencies have begun, although the process is not yet in its final stages.

"We have started to receive the data on the individuals who will be going forward with this training. We are looking at doing a full cohort of 25 persons, and that would include persons from Immigration, Customs, Police and Prison.’’

The courses offered during this Associate's Degree programme will include Human Rights, Leadership, Policing, Trauma, and Ethics. Additionally, students will have the option to select electives in specialised areas such as Immigration, Customs, Fire Safety, and Prison Studies.

13 Responses to “New Associate's Degree programme coming for law enforcement officers ”

  • Senior native citizen of the British Virgin Islands (10/09/2025, 12:56) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
    I am mostly for this initiative, but why is political alledged deliberate crimes against tax dollars have, and continuing being left unconfronted year after year, after year, and years after years, as if it is untouchable, and just an illusionary dream, or a mythical unrealistic mirage? Are politicians the gods of this world? No. They are not. Then who is? Jesus said, Satan is the god of this world that blinded human minds from accepting practical knowledge of truth as their guiding light, genuine love for God, our Creator, and neighbors, too.
    • BRAD BOYNES (11/09/2025, 09:43) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ Senior citizen, Do politicians lie? yes they do and often.
  • Senior native citizen of the British Virgin Islands (10/09/2025, 13:11) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    To all those that have been selected for law enforcement betterment. I am happy for you. Study carefully, serve cheerfully, and execute your duty unbiasly now, and moreso do your duty community-wise, after you have completed your training.
  • officer (10/09/2025, 19:07) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    The school is not even a proper school!! Waste of our money !!
  • Ye Old VI (10/09/2025, 19:08) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    This article sayin a whole bunch of nothing! What happened to the days when we hire local police ! All these expats getting train using our tax payers money!! No confidence !!!
    • Comment (11/09/2025, 21:05) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Why don’t they have an Associate’s Degree at minimum when they come from abroad? WOW…and want to expedite their status?
  • concerned citizen (10/09/2025, 19:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is an excellent initiative and a major step forward for the Virgin Islands. Equipping law enforcement officers with the opportunity to earn an Associate’s Degree not only strengthens professional capability, but also builds confidence, pride, and long-term capacity within the public service. Including areas such as Human Rights, Leadership, Trauma, and Ethics ensures officers are better prepared for the complex demands of modern policing, corrections, and border security.

    Congratulations to Dr. George and the VIPSLI team for driving this forward—it represents real investment in people, professionalism, and the future safety and security of our Territory.
  • officer (10/09/2025, 19:16) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    As an Officer in law enforcement, this is a great chance for us to build our skills and serve better. Thank you to VIPSLI for giving us this opportunity.
  • Planning for the future (10/09/2025, 19:18) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I think this is a very good idea. Many senior managers in law enforcement are retiring or close to retirement, and we need to make sure the next generation is trained and ready to take their place. This should help.
  • options (10/09/2025, 19:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Love dis! Good chance fi young people to step up in law enforcement.
  • curve rush 2 (11/09/2025, 06:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let's start!
  • Norris Turnbull (11/09/2025, 09:44) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Most police officers in the RVIPD are only there for the money and 20 year reduced pension. Not a next darn thing.
  • ... (11/09/2025, 12:43) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    More locals less foreign police. Plz


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