RVIPF officers reportedly reject 'intrusive' vetting process
In a statement on April 17, 2025, Governor Daniel Pruce said the recommendation to vet all officers of the RVIPF came from the Commission of Inquiry (CoI).
“I…[have] made the necessary amendments to the Regulations, to get the process underway and engage the Home Office team. These have now been gazetted, and I have signed the agreement with the UK Home Office so that vetting can begin,” he stated.
The Governor said the vetting of police officers is a standard process, designed to protect and assist professionals doing their job.
“My objective is to have all serving officers vetted by Autumn,” he said.
Too intrusive; officers have rejected vetting process
While recommended by the CoI, reports reaching Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) indicate that the process seems to be intrusive.
Our sources say police officers have been asked to disclose not only their information, but that of those who reside with them.
“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.,” VINO was reliably informed.
Officers of the RVIPF have reportedly rejected this, with Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool standing by her officers. However, officers are “subject to discipline” if they do not comply.
VINO was also told that officers are consulting with high-powered attorney Dr Terrance F. Williams to mount an application for an injunction against the process from going forward.
When our news centre reached out to the President of the Police Welfare Association Mr Sean A. McCall, we were told that they would not be commenting at this time as they are “having constant dialogues with all stakeholders to find a resolution or determine our course of action”.
No vetting means risk to VI’s security- Gov. Pruce
Governor Pruce, in his April 2025 statement, said a police force that is not subject to proper vetting poses a risk to the security of the Territory.
“At that point, for the first time in its history, the Virgin Islands will have a fully vetted police force. This will build trust within the force and between agencies working in partnership with the RVIPF. It will also improve public confidence in the RVIPF.”
The Governor believes the vetting of police officers is a positive step forward for the security of the VI, representing a “significant milestone” in the completion of a relevant CoI recommendation.
VINO was also informed that members of His Majesty’s Prison, Immigration, Customs, and Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Services will have to undergo similar vetting.
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25 Responses to “RVIPF officers reportedly reject 'intrusive' vetting process”
I can see disclosing the account number and name of the banking institution but why the PIN in the ordinary course of things. If the officer becomes the subject of an investigation, then there are court orders and mechanisms to facilitate that investigation.
I wish that stupid people like "James" in the comment above would see the issue for what it is and make a meaningful contribution. And by the way, it's not only 'island peep' who are working in the Force.
Currently, the rvipf has about 8 to 12 officers on suspension and charged for serious offences. Are they going to vetted as well?