PINS & passwords not required during vetting of police officers- Governor Pruce
The vetting process has been described as “very intrusive”, as it asks officers to disclose not only some of their personal information but that of those who are part of their households.
A source told Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) in May 2025, “They must disclose their personal information, such as who all live in their household. All bank account information, including their PIN numbers on any bank cards they hold. If they have property, how they [came] by it, personal information and banking information on their spouses, girlfriends, boyfriends, etc.”
The Police Welfare Association (PWA) sought legal advice and took the matter to the courts. An injunction against certain aspects of the vetting process of officers was handed down by Acting Justice Akilah Anderson on August 11, 2025.
PINS & passwords not requested
However, during a press conference on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Governor Pruce explained that the form asks for basic personal information including “who you are, where you live, who you live with”.
The form also requires officers to declare any associations which they have which could raise a conflict of interest with the professional responsibilities.
“That could include for example, connections with people who have criminal records...whether there is any personal involvement on the part of the officers, in criminal investigations by being the subject of a criminal investigation or disciplinary action,” the Governor stated.
It also asks about social media details and any other sources of income or wider business interests.
On the section which has attracted controversy, the financial section, the Governor said, “The form does not ask for Personal Identification Numbers. It does not ask for PIN numbers. The form does not ask for any passwords. It doesn’t ask for any login or access credentials.”
This section, Governor Pruce continued is to help the organisation understand whether an individual officer’s financial circumstances makes them vulnerable to coercion and blackmail.
“It’s as much about protecting that officer by understanding that vulnerability as it is about anything else. The final section of the form asks officers to list the institutions where they have bank accounts or other accounts, both joint and business."
While the section asks for account numbers and card numbers, it does not ask for PINS and passwords.
“All of that information, quite rightly, is personal to the officer and is not asked for at any stage of the vetting process,” Governor Pruce clarified.
Vetting not unique to VI
The Governor added that law enforcement being vetted is not “unique” to the VI and is something seen worldwide.
“Public officers, police officers in the UK are vetted and we want to see law enforcement agencies here brought to that standard here. It helps organisations manage risk and it helps maintain public confidence. It’s about ensuring that those in positions of power – and the police have enormous powers - enjoy the public’s trust.”
Despite the court injunction, the vetting process for officers is still ongoing.
See links to related stories
RVIPF officers reportedly reject 'intrusive' vetting process | Virgin Islands News Online
High Court temporarily blocks Governor’s police vetting process | Virgin Islands News Online
'Vetting process remains open & ongoing'- Governor Pruce | Virgin Islands News Online
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2 Responses to “PINS & passwords not required during vetting of police officers- Governor Pruce”
How can you want to enter this territory to enforce its criminal laws while functioning in the police department with your dirty hands and it take a Governor to raise these issues
What must likewise happen when those COPS comes here from the United Kingdom they Background is also questioned but our people dont have enough balls
The number of persons operating here without trade licenses and working without permits and over staying