(L-R) Talking Points Co-hosts Elvin G. Grant, Mrs Violet Thomas-Gaul, guests Miss RVIPF & CFPWA True Blue Beauty Constable Tresan R. Sharpe and Mrs BVI Rhonda R. Victor-Pinnock. Photo: Facebook

The five members of the Family and Juvenile Unit are responsible for cases territory-wide. Photo: Internet Source

Miss True Blue 2024, Tresan R. Sharpe of the Juvenile Unit of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), speaks to students of Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) in March 2024. Photo: ESHS Rams/Facebook

This is according to Constable Tresan R. Sharpe, reigning Miss Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) and Miss True Blue Beauty, who is attached to the unit. 

The unit is responsible for responding to and investigating cases of abuse, including that of children and adults, ranging from physical, sexual and neglect. 

Constable Sharpe was a ZBVI 780 AM’s Talking Points guest on Monday, April 21, 2025, when Co-host Elvin G. Grant asked about the number of officers assigned to the unit. 

“We are heavily understaffed…we have three constables, including myself, an Inspector and a Sergeant,” she replied. 

Constable Sharpe holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Criminology from the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.

In her job at the Family and Juvenile Unit, she acts as an investigator, child forensic interviewer, and child abuse material grader.

Not enough attention & resources

Being one of five officers attached to the Family and Juvenile Unit, Constable Sharpe said, “We man Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke, Anegada and Tortola.” 

She added residents should not be surprised if they see one of them on the sea heading over to one of the sister islands to help someone in need. 

“That’s serious,” Grant stated

While Constable Sharpe agreed that the issue is serious, she said that abuse in the Territory does not get enough attention. 

The unit, she added, does not get “enough resources to help persons who come into our office”.

Constable Sharpe remains positive and said she hopes that things change over time.

Since being a member of the RVIPF and the Family and Juvenile Unit, Constable Sharpe has garnered accolades such as the Exemplary Policing Award in 2020 and the Meritorious Conduct Award in 2021.