Speaker Willock fires back @ ex-cop Mathews over RVIPF's recruitment practices
Ex-CoP Matthews in a June 24, 2021, letter to the Commission made specific reference to concerns raised by the Speaker.
Ex-CoP Matthews denies assertions
"Immediately after hurricanes Irma and Maria, the Commissioner of Police hired a number of foreign nationals as police officers without doing the appropriate background checks whatsoever. In fact, it is extremely likely that he would have hired persons that were well-known criminals elsewhere in the region,” Hon Willock said.
The former ToP cop, Matthews; however, called the statement by Hon Willock a fabrication and false, stating, “to my knowledge, the Honourable Speaker was not part of the Government of the BVI at that time, nor present in any meetings where security decisions were agreed, including decisions to seek assistance from external police forces.”
However, while Mr Matthews has denied the claims, the current Commissioner of Police, Mr Mark Collins in his position statement to the CoI had confirmed the Speaker’s assertions.
During his CoI appearance on Wednesday, June 22, 2021, CoP Collins raised a number of concerns about the force, including concerns about the RVIPF’s recruitment practices.
"The current system of recruiting does not delve deep or far enough into the background checks of potential candidates for the RVIPF,” he said.
Current CoP has confirmed 'what I said in my report'- Hon Willock
Hon Willock, firing back at ex-cop Matthews, said the statements of the new Commissioner Collins only confirms his assertion about the current state of recruitment in the RVIPF.
“So here it is the current Commissioner of Police, confirming what I said in my report.”
Hon Willock further urged the Ex-Commissioner Matthews to consult with the current Commissioner before jumping on the media and making assertions.
According to the Speaker, “I was joking with a friend of mine … sometimes you have a job and you leave the job and you're a failure, you try and rewrite history. But I’m not suggesting that is the case with my good friend Michael Matthews,” he said.
Force's recruitment process limited - CoP Collins
Mr Collins further indicated that at present the RVIPF does not go far enough with regards to background checks for officers.
“There are no social media or financial checks made and limited checks are made in relation to previous employer and criminal records. It is my view that I would need to recruit a vetting/recruitment officer to deal with this matter."
CoP Collins indicated that he intends to carry out a complete review of the force’s practices.
This he says will include a performance management regime to hold people accountable, in addition to a more thorough vetting process.
There have long been concerns of corruption in the RVIPF, which has eroded public confidence. Over several years, UK Commissioners have pledged to weed out corrupt officers; however, little progress is ever made.
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10 Responses to “Speaker Willock fires back @ ex-cop Mathews over RVIPF's recruitment practices”
how much the old uk police have been paid to follow up on unsolved murders in this country
some speculate 50 thousand was offered to those uk police and investigation will give the facts
how was the 2 million dollars spent how many vehicles; how many guns etc
only the local are questionable but the tactics are understandable
no need for shade simply play the tape and review facts: under his skillful watch enforcement personnel stole goods(2017 hurricane) and still active duty bvi police. unsolved criminal conduct through the roof under his watch: leave that for now
dont know or care about you but born and raised right here this united kingdom overseas territory
I'm going with the professional.