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RVIPF clamping down on ‘talkative’ officers

DCP David Morris stated that the RVIPF is monitoring the situation of officers giving unofficial information to the media. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is clamping down on officers with "loose lips", and anyone caught giving unauthorised information to the media fraternity or anyone else could end up without a job.

This is according to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), David Morris in a recent interview with Virgin Islands News Online.

Morris, who has been in the post since March 2010, had pledged to get a grip on officers leaking information to the public even before relatives were informed, as well as, to ensure the integrity of an investigation was maintained.

“When victims and witnesses report crime to us the last thing they expect is for it to appear on the news unofficially,” Morris explained.

“Internally we have clamped down on the discipline issues, making quite clear to officers that they are in breach of discipline and they can lose their jobs. In some cases of trust in public office they can be prosecuted for it...we are monitoring the situation,” he added.

The DCP also noted that the Governor’s Speech from the Throne indicated that legislations will be introduced for Freedom of Speech and Information Protection, which is similar to the Data Protection Act in the United Kingdom.

According to him, the Data Protection Act states that if an officer gives out information that is not authorised that officer could be penalised or jailed.

2 Responses to “RVIPF clamping down on ‘talkative’ officers ”

  • Star (02/01/2012, 09:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What the DCP needs to concentrate on next is actually making the officers go out and investigate complaints. Some of these officers refuse to do what they have to do and are so boldface about it that when you call to check on their progress, they let you know that it was some other officer's responsibility and nothing gets done because they all play the blame game instead of getting the job done.
  • Quiet Storm (02/01/2012, 19:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Where is Waldo? Where is the Comish? Comish, please lead from the front. You are the dejure leader but the Decomish is acting as the defacto leader. The Comish role is to lead from the front and be the face of the RVIPD. The Comish has a moral obligation to represent himself and the people of the BVI and not play second fiddle to anyone. If he cannot do this proudly, competently, unashamedly, and confidently, he needs to exit stage right into the sunset. We do not need a figure head; we need a true leader. As they say either do your thing or get off the Poe Loose lips sink ships! As such I strongly support a disciplined and professional force. The fact that the force is leaking like a sieve says that the force is undisciplined and fragmented. A sight challenged person can clearly see that the RVIPD is split among locals, regional expats, and UK expats. It is a dysfunctional force that may be putting the safety of citizens at risk. The Comish needs to bring some unity, pride, professionalism, and synergy to the force. The DCP has a key role but the Comish has to be the leader.


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