9 police officers on suspension; CoP wants UK assistance to tackle corruption
- Commissioner of Police Mark Collins said he has engaged FCDO about Professional Standards Department
Senior Magistrate Tamia N. Richards, right, administers the oath of office to Commissioner of Police Mark Collins on April 19, 2021. Mr Collins has said he is looking for help from the UK to tackle allegations of corruption in the RVIPF. Photo: GIS/File
Corruption in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), under Commissioners of Police from the United Kingdom (UK) for nearly a decade, continues to be a topic of discussion and a main reason why the public has been reluctant to give information to police. Photo: VINO/File
Now, Commissioner of Police and UK national Mr Mark Collins has disclosed that nine serving members of the RVIPF are currently on suspension due to alleged criminal activities.
He said their crimes vary from indecent assault, handling stolen goods, possession with intent to supply, possession of an unlicensed firearm and making obscene publications.
“All matters are before the court…however, a concern is the timeline on these cases as some date back to 2014,” he said in his published position statement on the Commission of Inquiry (CoI)’s website.
Mr Collins also said he is now looking for help from the UK to tackle allegations of corruption in the RVIPF.
“In relation to serious allegations of corruption, I believe that it would be both pertinent and necessary to engage UK assistance via the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)/National Crime Agency.”
Commissioner Collins said he has actually commenced a conversation with the FCDO about a review of Professional Standards Department within the RVIPF seeking the assistance of the UK, adding that presently the department only has an Inspector and Sergeant manning the heavy workload.
No collaboration between law enforcement agencies
In the meantime, the Commissioner highlighted that there is a lack of collaboration and trust across all law enforcement agencies.
“There is an overall lack of information sharing across all agencies and departments impeded by the fact that computers systems are not linked. There are outdated working practices; we are still working on paper files, with many agencies still only accepting paper files and reports, with the exception of the Financial Investigation Agency (FIA).”
He said in addition, he also pointed to lack of training for law enforcement agencies.
“I am constantly being asked about opportunities for local officers within the organisation. A number of officers appear to have the capacity and capability to develop but just do not have the training and experience. Again, this all needs to be funded, and that funding is not forthcoming. Our investigations seem to be DPP led and not police led due to a lack of knowledge.”
The RVIPF falls under the reponsibility of the Governor's Office.
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39 Responses to “9 police officers on suspension; CoP wants UK assistance to tackle corruption ”
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look like any joe blow can join bvi police
just as the premier can be held accountable for political leadership
the commissioner of police should be held accountable for the RVIP
most RVIP does is attend traffic accidents
to many unsolved crimes and last of police patrol
It makes you wonder Why
Now you have a new commissioner and also a new Governor who came from Bermuda if correct .. the same issue of law enforcement agencies collaborating also happens in other Islands
What I see is that this Commissioner's stay in BVI would be extended
All of a sudden it's an issue and it should have been addressed many years prior .. so what was the previous Commissioner's of Police doing especially when locals been voicing their concerns for several years
There have to be some local Officers who are not corrupt and are doing their part in servicing the community
Why wasn't training provided .. Is there no accountability
Customs is responsible and has authority for border protection, is there no information shared with Customs or Immigration in protecting the community of BVI
Police who the community trust , cannot be trusted anymore. what a ting to tell the king! It is my imagination or is this really happening. Now call in the UK and lets see what's happening, then in ten years they are still here solving problems and training people, but still they can't trust them local officers to lead in any investigation. Police with young girls, Police with drugs, Police informing civilians and what's more is new. Revamp the whole station this community should feel safe.
How is it for this individual one said Kavarne Richards has not been given the explosive charge?? What happened to the laws of the BVI, are they not applied to those who have connections?
You want to find corruption you don’t have far to go! This whole case was mishandled on purpose! Wasted the courts time, denied responsibility and still only charged for half the crime committed!
Mr Police commissioner you have a lot to answer for!!!
It allows them to come in; then they get promoted, marry a local, and stay.
Corruption is not just in BVI
There is corruption in the UK
Is the UK asking BVI or other territories to send their officers to the UK
BVI, get your Island in shape