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DCP Morris: UK officers not here to take over

December 19th, 2011 | Tags: RVIPF Local David Morris promotion UK Officers
Officers from Royal Virgin Islands Police Force’s the Scene of Crime Unit and the Anti-Drug and Violent Crime Task Force share details with Pathologist Dr. Bruce Hyma at a recent crime scene. Photo: RVIPF
Morris said the UK officers are here on a contractual basis. Photo: VINO
Morris said the UK officers are here on a contractual basis. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Bringing in police officers from the United Kingdom (UK) is in no way meant to demoralise the local officers instead, according to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, it’s to work along with them to hone in their skills.

David Morris was at the time responding to a question on the disquiet among some local officers who are of the view that the UK officers are hindering promotion in the RVIPF.

However, the DCP explained that, “These officers are coming in because of their skills and background in terms of being able to do the job. Promotion does not mean you are an expert to do the job. The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) first responsibility to the community and the victims of crime is that we need a team that could investigate that crime, deal with all inquiries, deal with evidence and manage it so that we could provide the best service to the community. Quite frankly, I don’t care if they are Caucasian, black or Chinese I want to make sure the community feels safe and secure.”

While ideally the RVIPF should be about Virgin Islanders Morris added, “This is small Territory, you are not going to police the Territory with just Virgin Islands police officers because we will not get that many. Don’t forget we are competing in a market with other professions”.

Against this backdrop, the Force will continue to look at other policing countries such as the UK and European countries that can provide it with the necessary skills and expertise to fill the gaps.

“...albeit on a short term basis of one to three years while bringing our own officers through...for example if you are a bank you can’t wait until your bank tellers are trained to give money out. Customers would still want a service.

“Same thing applies to the Force, if somebody is murdered we still have to get skilled, experienced officers who can investigate that murder. Right now we have a fantastic major crime unit in the Territory,” DCP Morris further stated.

18 Responses to “DCP Morris: UK officers not here to take over ”

  • Royal (19/12/2011, 07:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Go mr. Morris do your job, long time they needed to do that, we have a small country where everybody know everybody,and some of the police dose cover for their friends, thats why they feel the way they do right now.
  • xray (19/12/2011, 08:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Morris stop tell lie you know the white UK officers want to stay here and tek over the force..for when Frazer leave next year the ting start!
  • NDP STRONG (19/12/2011, 08:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    OH MY... SOME AH AYO NEED TO STOP. WE COMPLAIN ABOUT TOO MUCH SOMETIMES. THIS IZ TO HELP SECURE OUR BVI. CRIME IS AFFECTING EVERY ONE AND ITS OUT OF CONTROL. THIS IS A GREAT MOVE. SHOWS ME THAT WE ARE TAKING THINGS MORE SERIOUS. GOOD JOB COMISH.
  • Brap (19/12/2011, 11:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Man I wouldnt mind if they did, the crime rate for our such a small territory is alarming!
    • job market (19/12/2011, 18:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      but that was why we paying big bucks for the UK officers to reduce crime...but its just a way for UK officers to suck off the bvi tax payers...my two cents
  • Jog (19/12/2011, 14:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I agree with morris, I lived in the UK and the police do a fantastic job, better that our local officers. They are clumsy, unprofessional and insensitive to people coming to seek help.
    • Respect (19/12/2011, 21:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      While I do agree there is a need for more training and objectivity in the police department, I do object to the notion that the UK does not have their share of problems as well. Each police department has its problems. Just take a look at the recent UK scandal involving the Rupert Murdoch and the phone-hacking scandal that came to light earlier this year. In this scandal the highest ranking UK Police Commissioner and one of his assistants had to step down a midst allegations of bribery and cronyism.
    • Facts (20/12/2011, 08:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      There is good and bad officers everywhere. I guess all those you met in the UK were perfect. Shut the hell up !
    • thruth (20/12/2011, 11:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I think if the UK would not being here, none of the crime would have being solved. I agree some, some of our police men and women are not senssible enought to deal with different matters no pro-active, too byas, and unrighteous.
  • goat water (19/12/2011, 15:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    no hope for locals in this police force and every body knows it!
  • Why UK (19/12/2011, 22:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    All I want to know is why they all coming from the UK?
  • go boy (20/12/2011, 00:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    i ask again where is the commissioner Frazer???
  • truth hurts (20/12/2011, 01:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Truth. Majority of the locals in the RVIPF are lazy. When they actually show up, they do very little work, yet they make the most noise about promotion. It is time they look into themselves and take responsibility and stop blaming outsiders for their condition. Take lesson from the few who work very hard, such as Superintendent Donovan, Inspector Potter, Inspector Robinson, Inspector Cameron Constable Callwood (wether you like him or not) Sergeant Donna Monsanto, sergeant Vanterpool of Task Force and a few others. That's the truth. Most of the rest do little or no work but they complain the most. Now go ahead and crucify me! Kill the messenger!
  • Facts (20/12/2011, 08:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What they goin help the local officers do when they always in the bar drinking ruim. Mr Morris u need to go along with ur UK Officers who dont care about the BVI.


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