Several officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) have now been equipped with the latest skills in crime-fighting and crime scene investigation as part of training from Agencia Ltd, a UK based company specializing in law enforcement training and consultancy. Photo: RVIPF

According to information coming out of the force, the initial month-long crime investigation course which ended early December 2021, saw twelve officers being introduced to modern theory and practices in the areas of case management. Photo: RVIPF

Meanwhile, new investigative skills could mean the force will revisit several high-profile murders and cold cases left unsolved. Photo: Internet Source

According to information coming out of the force, the initial month-long crime investigation course which ended early December 2021, saw twelve officers being introduced to modern theory and practices in the areas of case management.

Officers receive new skills training 

Other skill training covered subjects such as crime scene management, intelligence handling, exhibit handling, statement writing, investigative interviewing, and courtroom procedures.

“In the final weeks of 2021, the trainers will mentor trained officers to see that the acquired skills are put to use, as well as to provide guidance and support while the officers are on duty,” the release said.

Courses are expected to continue into 2022 for a second cohort of officers and for senior-level and financial crime investigators laying the groundwork for more efficient and successful investigations.

“Officers will also be trained to equip others so that these skillsets are passed on as a vital component to this retraining exercise,” the information noted.

Meanwhile, new investigative skills could mean the force will revisit several high-profile murders and cold cases left unsolved.

RVIPF unsolved cases 

Some of the cases include the 2004 murder of 23-year-old Melissa Spence, a native of Trinidad; the 2005 death of Kendoy Penn of Old Plantation; the death of 46-year-old Julio Pineda Ceasor of Greenland in 2017; and the 2014 death of Nyron F. Ollivierre, a native of Trinidad.

Others include Cardinal R. Fahie aka 'Wolf' and Jefferson M. Joseph killed on April 16, 2017, and May 26, 2011, respectively.

More recent murders include the shooting deaths of Vincentian Deverson Williams, who was killed in March 2021, and businessman Earl D. Hodge aka 'Bob', who was slain in February 2021.

The force could also be looking into the 2020 deaths of Everton McMaster Jr and Matthew D. Daly aka 'Shorty', who were both gunned down locally.