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Will VI finally get another local CoP?; Vacancy now being advertised!

Commisioner of Police Mark Collins, right, and Deputy Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool. Ms Vanterpool has the qualifications to become the first local female Commissioner of Police in the Virgin Islands. Photo: RVIPF/Facebook
Since the days of the late Attorney Vernon E. Malone (CoP: 1992-2002), left, and Reynell Frazer (CoP: 2004-2012), right, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has not had its own local Commissioner of Police (CoP). Photo: VINO/Facebook/File
Since the days of the late Attorney Vernon E. Malone (CoP: 1992-2002), left, and Reynell Frazer (CoP: 2004-2012), right, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has not had its own local Commissioner of Police (CoP). Photo: VINO/Facebook/File
The vacancy for Commissioner of Police in the Virgin Islands is being advertised. Photo: GIS
The vacancy for Commissioner of Police in the Virgin Islands is being advertised. Photo: GIS
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Since the days of the late Attorney Vernon E. Malone (CoP: 1992-2002) and Reynell Frazer (CoP: 2004-2012), the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has not had its own local Commissioner of Police (CoP).

The RVIPF has been run for years by UK nationals (white males) in a majority black country and they have done nothing, according to critics and talk show commentators, to reduce crime, move the police force forward and restore the public's trust in the organisation.

While Mr Malone and Frazer were at the helm, the statistics showed crime had reduced, more locals were joining the force and morale was at an all-time high.

Does having a local CoP change anything?

Today, after three recent non-national police commissioners; David Morris-2013-2015, Michael B. Matthews-2016- 2021 and Mark Collins 2021-current, the morale in the RVIPF is alleged to be at an all-time low. Some areas of crime under their tenures skyrocketed and the Government is expected to pay millions and millions in lawsuits from civilians and current and former police officers suing for alleged violation of rights, alleged corruption by the current police boss and unlawful arrest and unfair dismissals to name a few.

In addition, all the local police officers who held top positions under Messers Malone and Frazer have allegedly been pushed out of the force and replaced by non-nationals from the Caribbean region and retired UK Police Officers.

Spending by the government on the RVIPF is up by over $25 million in the last two years alone, with more graduating classes of new police officers, and more UK police officers claiming they are here to provide the skills the RVIPF does not have.

Is there a system of transparency?

Under Collins, a post of ‘Assistant Police Commissioner’ was given to UK national Ms Pam Trevillion. Many are now claiming that Ms Trevillion has more power than the two Deputy Commissioners of Police combined (Jacqueline E. Vanterpool and St Clair Amory). It is unclear if the post was advertised or if there was a transparent process for her appointment, including an exam.

History has shown that whenever locals are in charge the Territory progresses. Under the first local Commissioner, Mr Malone, crime was down, locals were joining the force and being promoted in record numbers and the extraordinary spending on the police force today was not so high, according to many public commentators.

Mr Malone, who passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2024, pushed for education for officers and tried to restore confidence in the force by the public. Today, many of those officers who served during Malone's tenure have earned Bachelor’s and Law Degrees.

Would a local be appointed CoP?

Now that the CoP post is vacant, there are about five qualified locals, including both Deputy Commissioners of Police, St Clair Amory and Ms Jaqueline E. Vanterpool.

Many residents are pushing for the first qualified local female to hold the post, Ms Vanterpool; however, critics are claiming that the job may go to another UK white male, if not given to Ms Trevillion.

Mr Collins, who has been very controversial and has seen some 55 allegations made against him by fellow police officers, is expected to demit office by August 2024. Former Governor John J. Rankin said he had engaged a Commissioner of Police in another Overseas Territory to review the allegations against Mr Collins. It is unclear what is the status of that review.

Many have said Mr Collins has claimed that the police force he met is corrupt and he was there to “clean it up”. They noted that he is also pushing an agenda of diversity in the recruitment classes in the police force, resulting in locals allegedly being shut out.

Mr Collins has been accused of using his power to go after his critics including police officers who signed the petition against him. He is also being accused of having a target list to charge and lock up prominent locals, including members of the media. They also claimed that Mr Collins is not committed to the rule of law and justice for all.

The CoP has; however, denied those claims.

36 Responses to “Will VI finally get another local CoP?; Vacancy now being advertised!”

  • 2 answer your question (07/05/2024, 16:42) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    NOPE!
  • SLIVER (07/05/2024, 16:48) Like (23) Dislike (16) Reply
    While Mr Malone and Frazer were at the helm, the statistics showed crime had reduced, more locals were joining the force and morale was at an all-time high. THAT IS A BIG FAT LIE
  • Citizen (07/05/2024, 16:51) Like (7) Dislike (12) Reply
    This article on point
  • i from here (07/05/2024, 16:54) Like (10) Dislike (6) Reply
    They will never give that to Jacky they too sexism plus she from here
  • annonymous (07/05/2024, 17:12) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
    Malone had to retire abruptly, why, ask the police welfare.
    Fraser was the only person that was promoted during his time as COP.
    Well as for this woman who is a triple edge, put this organization under her command the little if any left from she and Guzmel will quickly diminish like Town did after 10 minutes of rain.

    Recommendation: Don't even accept an application from the one person who failed the entire process and placed last to become DCP but was still promoted. She get hold of this (the RVIPF) and it will be a great mistake. She already cost the government tooo much money through her bad decisions with all the court cases.
    • @ Anonymous (07/05/2024, 18:03) Like (7) Dislike (13) Reply
      This is a big fat lie you all need to stop Jacky will be the next local commissioner
  • Fairness (07/05/2024, 17:44) Like (38) Dislike (3) Reply
    Whilst I would love a home grown BVIslander I do believe it should be based on merit and a fair process. As I believe it is the Police Service Commission, made up of local people who choose, I would trust they will choose the best for all our sakes - wherever they are from!
    • Xxx (08/05/2024, 05:01) Like (1) Dislike (9) Reply
      THE ONLY PEOPLE AGAINST MS VANTERPOOL ARE POLICE OFFICERS FROM THE ISLAND AND UPPER LIP ARMORY

      SHE IS THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE JOB AND I HOPE SHE HOPE SHE APPLYS
    • @ Fairness (08/05/2024, 07:35) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
      Was Collins, Morris and Mathews appointment based on merits NO, THEY GOT THE JOB because they were UK white men? Go take some SEATS the double standards and hypocrisy is alarming
  • Voter6 (07/05/2024, 18:00) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    JACKY.IS READY YET SHE PUT IN FAULTS REPORT ABOUY ME.
  • Sad to Say.. (07/05/2024, 18:01) Like (21) Dislike (3) Reply
    Local Cops are all failures..Being tried never worked..Police are now graded by their BHD. "Born here degree" and not by performance, discipline, knowledge and effort...Get one from the Caribbean, Guyana or Barbados got real good deputy commissioners, get one and bring back policing,...
  • Sorry folks (07/05/2024, 18:13) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    Like it or not the police force is in a mess
  • i hope not (07/05/2024, 18:47) Like (21) Dislike (1) Reply
    She landing that Job will be no difference from the DPP in office she is not fit for that Job. I cant believe she is being considered. Smh.
  • A joke (07/05/2024, 19:40) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is a joke - it doesn’t matter where you are from crime happens and it will continue! Stop making out that a local Commissioner will make a difference it won’t - only the right skills , right numbers, properly funded force and a leader with the necessary experience is going to help us. Stop making out we have somebody ready - we really don’t!
  • Madea (07/05/2024, 19:50) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I support a CoP who is going to do the job - catch the murderers and the armed robbers, the drug dealers, the illegal motor cyclists, the drivers who speed and arrest the beggars in town. You can nit go to the cash machine without the big guy there asking for money, at supermarket they wait outside the door, and harass you in town.
  • boi (07/05/2024, 20:22) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Boi locals are running customs and immigration and I can't tell when last I see them in the news for catching illegal immigrants red handed or any drugs bust lol . So I can only imagine when my same local people pull up for commisioner.

    No more drugs bust after that just hush hush

    And no more guns being found unless it's the ops of other crime group's. Smh good luck buddeh
  • Gfj (07/05/2024, 20:34) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Real bacchanal.
  • LM (07/05/2024, 20:37) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    In your dreams
  • I SAY (07/05/2024, 20:58) Like (1) Dislike (9) Reply
    Ms. Vanterpool as our new COP is a great idea. Can't be any worse than we have now. We have had Metropolitan Police experience yet no difference in solving or slowing down crime on this tiny little rock. I keep saying, it shouldn't take a lot for crime solving seminars by members from the Metropolitan Police Dept in the UK to teach our brightest and best here how to follow leads and gather evidence. Even neighbourhood policing seems to be too much for them and the police stations are closed down. We are getting a bad deal on this one. Sorry. I guess, the fact that we have under ten murders a year, I guess, makes them complacent. But ten for us, as locals, is a lot, hell, five is a lot.

    One thing I will tell you, though, Ms. Vanterpool can bring more locals into the Force so that they are aware of where Manuel Reef is and when we call 911 and give our names that we have been shot, we can get a response. Not saying those there don't know mind you, but they just don't give a damn. If Super Cop had taken that call, good bad or indifferent, liked or not liked, he would have gotten there. So Go, Ms. Vanterpool, we are rooting for and praying for you.
  • where (07/05/2024, 21:21) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    When you ever seen any police out on the street? When two stupid drivers bump their stupid vehicles. Wasting police time when they are or should be insured and the insurers should deal with it. Meantime, the good ol boys out up to no good, drugs and murders and stealing and what all and where are the police? Sleeping policemen.
  • YES! (07/05/2024, 22:08) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Rvipf has gone to the dogs !
    1st mistake training taking place on island!
    Then they claim the official well qualified!
    This the only place on earth if a person got charged and whatever becomes of the case we don't know . But still they are qualified to be a police here ! Correct me if I'm wrong !.
    Construction works ,boat cleaners domestic helpers .
    You see them in police uniform!
    They can't get not even a regular security job where they from !
    Our standard is so low ! However ,the government will always pay money ! Cause they are under qualify and the BVI put them in police uniform!
  • Local COP (07/05/2024, 22:29) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    According to the first paragraph a local COP held the reigns from 1992 to 2012 (except 2 years). Thus i think the article would be better phrased it considered why after 20 years of local COP the last 12 years have been a UK post?
  • lodger (08/05/2024, 05:15) Like (2) Dislike (12) Reply
    We must march if Jacky Vanterpool is not appointed the new commissioner of police!!! We also have wade smith, guy hill and ver brown who are qualified law enforcement agents

    There are choices, let us not let this one get out of our hands, we have qualified law enforcement locals around
    • Rbpo (08/05/2024, 08:23) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      You really have Alzheimer, if you can call Hill's name .A total failure at the prison.
  • hi (08/05/2024, 05:41) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    The war for power started when the people are suffering.. The entire police force needs to be redone .
  • the big question (08/05/2024, 05:50) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    What impact or difference she made as deputy...The obvios answer - None, a failure, a disappointment. This can't be the progressive way to go.. we will be better served with a Caribbean born commissioner. The start of our Carcom intergration.
  • Observer (08/05/2024, 07:05) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    In my opinion the police force needs an operations leader who are going to fight crime. Put police on the road to do foot patrol and mobile patrol and don’t just have police in the station just waiting for a call. Police roll has always been to prevent crime and to do that is to have officers out of the station. The supervisor must ensure that the officers perform their roll but it appears that an examination was put in place and that was the downfall of the organization. Officers get promoted and when time for them to lead they gone hiding. I would recommend that we look somewhere in the Caribbean for a COP to bring back policing in the BVI.
  • Any worse (08/05/2024, 08:01) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Hope we get a local COP, no one could be worse than British police, once the best in the world now the absolute worst. How they behaved during covid and the two tier policing going on in the UK is disgraceful. They don’t show up for real crimes and have turned into the thought police. Local all the way.
  • 2024 (08/05/2024, 12:52) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    under the current commissioner of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, unsolved crimes are through the roof not to mention robbery at high day

    The only time you see a large gathering of members from the Police Department is after the crime was committed

    You do not see the police on the Highway and on today’s road ways are vast number of unlicensed vehicles along with a vast number of unlicensed drivers

    our territory is to small to have so many unsolved criminal cases
  • Serving Cop (08/05/2024, 14:41) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    Collins is the best COP we have had in years. Fair, open, and approachable. Stands up to the ones who think they can do better and supports those who work hard. He got our allowances, training and more staff. I will be sorry to see him go!!
  • PWA member (08/05/2024, 16:19) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Unfortunately to many in senior ranks still open to corrupt practices and not willing to deal with those who are their friends or family. We will be going backwards I think. There a a couple who want him home thinking they can sneak back in if A***ry gets the job
  • owner (10/05/2024, 16:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    So how come Collins hasn't answered one communication or had someone else there answer for him? Where's
    my property? Hasn't been returned. Last at the apartment I rented. And since he hasn't offered compensation for mangling my hand, I guess its ok to cut off his and his prececessors hands. An eye for an eye.


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