In what has been labelled as a surprising and concerning move, Governor Daniel Pruce has decided to suspend the recruitment process for a new Commissioner of Police (CoP) in the Virgin Islands. Photo: GIS/File

Deputy Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool, left, a Virgin Islander, was very qualified for the post of Commissioner of Police prior to the suspension of the recruitment process; however, reports are the Police Commissioner and the Governor are pushing for their fellow UK national Pam Trevellion, right, the current Assistant Commissioner, to become the next Commissioner of Police. Photo: GIS/File

Outgoing Commissioner of Police Mark Collins had 55 damning allegations against him but Governor Daniel Pruce allowed him to remain on the job. Photo: GIS/File

The embattled CoP, United Kingdom national Mark Collins, is set to depart the territory this year and a recruitment process for a new Commissioner started earlier this year with a view of having the successful applicant in place from the end of November.

"I have now decided to suspend that process," Governor Pruce informed in a statement late Thursday, October 31, 2024.

'Security challenges' becoming more complex- Gov Pruce

According to the governor, this delay will create a gap after the end of Commissioner Collins' contract next month (November). "I will therefore look to the RVIPF senior leadership team to bridge that and to support the new Commissioner when they start in due course. I will also seek additional reinforcement at senior level. I wish to explain why I have taken this decision."

Seeking to justify this unusual move, Govenor Pruce said the security challenges facing the Virgin Islands are becoming more complex. He said the first volume of the law enforcement review, conducted by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services, featured 138 recommendations. "Many of those fell to the RVIPF. The police have been making good progress in implementing them, but much work remains to be done.

"The second volume due in a few months will add to that. I expect a large number of more fundamental recommendations.  These will shape the future of the RVIPF for years to come."

Meanwhile the RVIPF, alongside our other law enforcement agencies, are responding every day to the threats to our collective security.

A shut out of locals?

Noting that the police are at the centre of the security effort, Governor Pruce said the recruitment of a new Commissioner will be critical in delivering "a step change" in the fight against crime.

"The assessments of volumes one and two show that the qualities we need in that new Commissioner are different to those we sought when we launched the recruitment process earlier this year. We need someone who can lead a mission-critical organisation through a complex strategic transformation, while delivering improved operational outcomes."

"Consequently, I am terminating the current recruitment process so that we can redefine the skills and experience required and advertise again. It is my intention to launch a new process as soon as possible."

Many, including officers of the RVIPF, are viewing this "shifting of the goalpost" as a death knell for locals who had applied for the post, even though the governor claimed that candidates who applied for the original role are not disqualified from the new process. "They would need to re-apply showing they meet the requirements of the new job description."

Prior to the moving of the goalpost by Governor Pruce, there were a few locals, including Deputy Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool (very qualified), the current Deputy Commissioner, along with other law enforcement specialists like Comptroller of Customs, Wade N. Smith; Errol George, the Director of the Financial Investigation Agency; and former Superintendent of Prisons Guy M. Hill, who are all qualified for the post.

Some had even been pushing the second Deputy, Mr St Clair Amory, and mention had been made of the retired police Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda, Mr Vere H. E. Browne.

It is unclear who out of the lot mention will make the "new requirements."

Gov looking out for his own?

Since earlier this year, sources familiar with the matter have alleged that the police commissioner and governor are pushing their friend who is now an Assistant Commissioner of Police and from the UK, Ms Pam Trevillion. Her qualifications are unclear but she was promoted by Collins to take a high-ranking post over many other qualified senior officers, and she reports directly to him.

Apologising to candidates who had already applied for the post, Governor Pruce said he has a constitutional duty to ensure he does his utmost to deliver security for the islands. "It was my top priority when I was sworn in as Governor. Ensuring we have the right person to lead the RVIPF through the challenges the police face is crucial to that."

Our News Centre has reached out to the Police Welfare Association (PWA) and the Police Service Commission (PSC) for comments. Mr Preston P. Stoutt of the PSC declined to comment at this time.

See related article below:

When will the VI get a local Commissioner of Police?