Acting CoP Vanterpool urges all officers to embrace new direction of RVIPF
A statement on the RVIPF’s social media page said the meetings form part of advancing the force’s theme for 2025 ‘Reset. Regroup. Reclaim’, which was introduced by Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool.
Acting Commissioner Vanterpool delivered an address where she called on all officers to embrace the new direction, resetting the force’s focus, regrouping as a unified force, and reclaiming the force’s standing as a model of policing excellence.
“The message was clear: accountability, professionalism, and unity must remain at the core of everything we do,” the RVIPF said in the statement.
The force has made significant strides in combatting crime and violence in the territory under Acting Commissioner Vanterpool's leadership.
Bishop Dr Paul A. Ricketts is RVIPF’s new Chaplain
The meeting also marked the appointment of an official Chaplain for the RVIPF in the person of Bishop Dr Paul A. Ricketts.
He will play a vital role in “supporting the emotional and spiritual well-being of our officers”.
The RVIPF also reaffirmed its commitment to training describing it as a top priority. Several impactful local and overseas-based initiatives have already been completed. One such training included sessions facilitated by the RVIPF for its law enforcement partners.
Voting for new members of the Police Welfare Association also opened at the meeting, where officers were encouraged to cast their votes.
“As we continue the journey through 2025, we do so with clarity of purpose and strength in unity. We are purposed to remain focused, reenergized, and committed to excellence,” the statement added.
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Several insiders and observers have pointed to instances where individuals with questionable competence were elevated to positions of authority. Such moves have led to speculation that these decisions were not merely administrative misjudgments but could have long-term consequences for the RVIPF’s operational strength. A weakened force could, in turn, make a stronger case for external intervention, potentially leading to increased UK oversight or direct control.
At the same time, it has been noted that several competent and experienced officers were sidelined, reportedly due to their perceived affiliations with the top brass of the previous administration. These officers, despite their capabilities and leadership potential, were overlooked for key roles—raising concerns that friendship and loyalty, rather than merit, influenced promotions within the force. This approach not only affects morale but also deprives the RVIPF of strong leadership that could guide the force into the future.
Further compounding these concerns are reports that Collins had a predetermined list of individuals he wanted to promote, despite knowing that they were not ready for leadership positions. To accommodate them, he allegedly breached policy, bypassing established procedures to ensure that these individuals were included. Ultimately, the same list he created was used for promotions, reinforcing fears that favoritism played a significant role in shaping the leadership structure of the RVIPF.
While some argue that the promotions under Collins’ tenure were meant to bring fresh perspectives to the force, others fear that these decisions have hindered its ability to effectively combat crime and maintain public trust. If key positions are filled with individuals who lack the necessary experience, the overall credibility of the organization is at risk.
The future of the RVIPF remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: ensuring strong and capable leadership is crucial. The people of the Virgin Islands deserve a police force that is led by competent professionals, free from any agenda that could compromise its integrity. Moving forward, transparency in leadership appointments and accountability for decisions that affect public safety should be top priorities. I LOVE THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND I HOPE THAT WE AS A PEOPLE CAN WAKE UP AND TAKE ACTION. THIS IS REAL AND IT SEEMS LIKE NO ONE IS WILLING TO DO ANYTHING TO ADDRESS THIS.