Governor Daniel Pruce said the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has been making really good progress as he reflected on his eleven months in office as Governor of the VI. Photo: Facebook/JTV Channel 55

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has received assistance from the United Kingdom government to enhance capacity and capability. Photo: RVIPF

Through UK assistance the Marine Unit’s ability to respond has increased with the provision of vessels and equipment for the officers. Photo: Facebook/RVIPF Marine Base

Governor Pruce sat down with Cathy O. Richards of JTV Channel 55 in an airing of the Big Story on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, where he said one of the main concerns brought to him by members of the public in “spontaneous conversation” is that of security, law and order.

“That’s understandable because that’s something that touches all our lives we want to live in a safe and secure environment,” he said.

The Governor opined that there is no single fix to building security in the Virgin Islands (VI) but with several areas working together, he hopes it can be achieved.

Governor Pruce’s mission to build capacity & capability of RVIPF

One of the Governor’s direct responsibilities is the police and prison and he said he has a strong interest in other areas within the law enforcement sector.

“One of the things I am endeavouring to do but working in partnership with colleagues is to help support the efforts of the RVIPF to build capability and capacity to investigate crimes successfully, to be able to bring criminals to justice as well. To that effect I think requires a number of areas of engagement and support.”

The UK he revealed continues to provide practical assistance and training for officers of the RVIPF. A team from the UK’s National Crime Agency he said recently assisted the RVIPF with a financial investigation training.

“There’s also I think a role for the UK to play in terms of assisting the way the force sets its priorities and structures its activity,” the Governor stated.

This summer, the Law Enforcement Review was compiled by His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services. That review consists of several recommendations relating to the police.

RVIPF has made ‘good progress’- Governor Pruce

The RVIPF, Governor Pruce added has beenmaking “really good progress” as he reflected on his eleven months in office as Governor of the VI.

As to the operations of the police force, Governor Pruce said the RVIPF has a good complement of officers.

“I attended myself the passing out of the most recent cohort which was great…and they provide great additional potential in terms of skills and experience they can bring into the police force. So ensuring that resourcing in terms of human resources is where it needs to be is also critical.”

Meanwhile, the Governor said capability in terms of equipment the UK government has also assisted there.

Through UK assistance the Marine Unit’s ability to respond has increased with the provision of vessels and equipment for the officers.

Governor Pruce added, “Ultimately you need to have an approach to each of these areas where the police intervention is required which is coherent where the systems support the frontline and where the partnership with the community is working effectively as well.