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PRINTWhen Sen. Sammuel Sanes asked the Legislature on Tuesday to special order his bill to allow the governor to grant peace officer status to federal law enforcement, senators narrowly voted it down with little debate, sending it back for further consideration in committee. But by Wednesday morning, senators on both sides of the issue had strong words about the bill.
The bill, introduced in June by Sanes and Senate President Ronald Russell, [Bill 29-0347 Peace Officer Bill] would allow the governor to deputize federal officers if the police commissioner requests it, giving them the same authority and legal protections as V.I. police officers. It also makes any such federal officers subject to the authority of the commissioner.
Proponents of the measure argued it would give police more help at a time of severe budget cuts and a seeming rising tide of ever more brazen gun violence. Opponents countered that it would not end all crime, and should not be enacted because federal officials have sometimes treated local officials in a disrespectful manner.
After the vote Tuesday, Sen. Neville James said he voted against special ordering the bill "because I don't deal in knee jerk" reactions, suggesting people were embracing the measure as a reaction to recent violence. The past week has seen the shootings of St. Croix Police Chief Chris Howell and Officer Elsworth Jones, the public execution of Christiansted security guard Ecliff Jones while at work, and the murder of "Tiny Jah" Jarvis on St. John.
James said peace officer status "is not the issue" with violent crime, pointing instead to other factors feeding the problem. "We have a literacy problem and we need to address it," he said. The federal government needs to do more to help, without peace officer status, he said.
"This is also about border patrol. The guns aren't manufactured here," James said, adding that the federal government had an obligation to secure the territory's borders, and until it does, guns will continue to come in.
On Wednesday Sen. Carlton "Ital" Dowe castigated opponents of the measure, saying they were refusing to act out of political cowardice. "Five people call and complain and you bolt," Dowe said.
Constituents are calling, emailing and texting, demanding the Senate do something about crime, Dowe said. "Well there is something here right now and you vote against it," Dowe said.
It is the legal protections more than anything that are important, Dowe continued. "The issue is not can they act, it is afterward, what protections do they have?"
Sen. Celestino White urged colleagues to try again to put the bill on Wednesday's session agenda, but to no avail. "All it is asking is to allow for more boots on the ground to assist the police department, who we all know is short-staffed, is short-paid and under attack," White said.
"We all know it is going to be very difficult to recruit individuals to our department, so we have to start now,” he continued. “Let us welcome them, like we welcome FEMA, which is on its way right now," White said.
Sen. Shawn-Michael Malone said he is not against peace officer status for certain federal officers, but opposes what he called the “carte blanche." Like James, Malone said "people are reacting to recent events," and that the bill would not mean federal officers will be present when crimes occur. He said the measure should be rejected because the federal government does not do enough to keep guns out of the territory.
"The problem is the border. Who is responsible for keeping guns out of the territory?" Malone said.
Sen. Louis Patrick Hill said he supported the measure because it would bring more assistance in the territory's anti-crime efforts, but understood why some opposed it.
"I sympathize and empathize and understand the reluctance of certain senators to support this bill, I really do, because the federal government has a way of overstepping and treating people like s*** in the territory," Hill said, offering a couple of examples of excessive federal action.
"But yesterday, while we were debating this issue, a guy just down the road got shot 10 or 12 times," Hill said, suggesting the violence was a more pressing concern. (See Man Shot to Death in Estate Altona in related links below)
Sanes said he would keep pushing the bill, but felt it had been thoroughly vetted in earlier committee hearings.
"If it has to be done again, I will do it, but as we debate peace officer status the roads are running with rivers of red," Sanes said.
Voting against special ordering the bill onto Tuesday's agenda were James, Sens. Alicia "Chucky" Hansen, Terrence "Positive" Nelson, Usie Richards, Patrick Sprauve, Alvin Williams and Janette Millin-Young. Voting yea were: Dowe, Hill, Russell, Sanes, White and Sen. Nereida "Nellie" Rivera-O'Reilly. Malone and Sen. Craig Barshinger were absent at the time of the vote.
You can always allow the Feds to assist in helping solve crimes, especially cold cases, but this peace officer status, that's hog-wash! Shane's talking about "the streets are running rivers of red," the stinking streets needs to be repaired! White is asking people to "accept them as we accept FEMA" what a moronic request. Pay the police officers, recruit more officers and give better incentives and bonus packages to work these streets, the island is 85 square miles people. We got a handfull of people to represent us in the senate, but these idiotic suggestions coming out of these meetings and being debated on is a waste of time. Now there is a high number of people out of work, and all eyes are focused on the VI government, let's see what they will do to create jobs in the territory. Without jobs, there is no stability, no stability, there is mayhem. We have mayhem in our streets now people.
Stand firm.
"We don't need no stinkin' Feds" Hey,wake up - they just shot the Chief of Police. Get your heads out of your mango and recognize that you need help with the garbage on the street. Serious help. Nevermind the "respect" "disrespect" respect, disrespect bool sheet. Man up to the task of cleaning up the garbage and appreciate and accept and be thankful for any help we get in making the territory safe for all of us and the people visiting here. Never mind any pointless, childish and arrogant posturing because if the VIPD could do this job - the Chief and his Deputy wouldn't be laying in a bed at Juan Luis with gunshot wounds. Do you get it? No, I don't think you do. And one last word about the the word "respect." Respect is best worn when it is earned and not expected. Personally I expect to earn the respect of those around me and I don't just expect it. Got it? I don't think so.
Forget all the drama. How could it possibly HURT the VI to give them Peace Officer status? I'd like to hear someone answer that question.
I agree! These men and women are trained professionals and can only be of assistance in times of need. Lawlessness is way out of hand in our islands. The more help, the better! The sooner, the better.
Because there's a chance that the VI government's corruption might be seen, in all of it's glory, by the feds when they're here. Keep in mind we're talking about Senators that have stolen at least $6.9m that we know about.
They don't want the Feds catching them stealing, or cutting off the free money. That's why they're keeping them out, to keep themselves out of jail.
Of course, they'll sell it to all the stupid people on the island as a point of local pride, tell them that they don't need the help and we can take care of things ourselves, and the people will be stupid enough to buy it.
WE ISLANDERS ARE ALL AMERICANS AND DESERVE EQUAL PROTECTION UNDER THE LAW!!! Our Federal taxes pay for this help and we need it, and I'm sure most Virgin islanders want this help too.
Why are our local Senators so scared of the Federal Goverment? Every local distict in America has to work with the Feds, but this "they can't tell us what to do" attitude is a joke...YES, THEY CAN!!!
But remember, the Feds are the ones that also protect our civil rights and help us in times of need!
Senators...pass this law, NOW!!!
Because any time there's talk about the federal government doing anything besides writing giant checks to keep the island running, 80% of the island seizes up with this "dem white man going to make us slave if he come down" mentality.
Private company wants to open up shop on St. Croix? Oh, must be dem white man trying to make us slave again. Better chase dem out!
Federal government wants to assist in cleaning up the most crime-ridden place in America? Oh, must be dem white man trying to make us slave again. Better chase dem out!
You'll take the Fed's money, but you won't let them enforce federal law in the islands. Typical. The islands need to get over this "dem white man going to make us slave if he come down" mentality that drives the bulk of the island's decisions.
Wake up! The VI government still has the islanders in the slave position. De people dem are still slaves to the politicians. Understand???????
Let me put it this way, 'Do We Need More Law Enforcement?' I honestly believe that we do. "Knee jerk" reactions are never good for the few and far between BUT since these violent crimes are now common everyday occurences - PASS THE LAW!!!
We also need an education program that is mandatory for all VI youth where they visit prisons and learn directly from hard core criminals what life is like in the joint. The other day I was reading about this murder case over on St. John where a guy (A) argued with another guy (B) over a girl and he (A) pulls out a gun and shoots (B) twice in the head, killing him. The guy shot and killed another guy to stop him from having a relationship with his supposed girlfriend but he also put himself in a position where he will never be with her either (at least physically). Stupid! She will (Of Course) have other partners while (A) is watching the walls.
It is positively asinine and small-minded not to pass this much-needed legislation. The senators who voted against this measure need to seriously rethink their position. We will NEVER get the feds to do anything about border security by holding them hostage by refusing to pass this bill. What these senators don't seem to get is that passing this bill helps US! It doesn't particularly benefit the feds much, just allows them the opportunity to be seconded to the VI Commissioner of Police if needed and to have the protections afforded by peace officer status should they act in an emergency while not on federal business. Please tell me how this benefits the feds, if you can. Seems to me that it benefits all of us who want more law enforcement action here.
Get it together Hansen, Nelson, Richards, Sprauve, Millin, Williams and James! We NEED this.
RM: In the United States of America, Congress saw fit to pass a bill that allows all retired Law Enforcement to carry their weapons after passing a yearly weapons qualification course. The people of the U.S. see how that improves quality of life and safety for the public at no cost to goverment. It also pays tribute to the Women and Men who have put it on the line for the general public during their lifetime careers to that public.
Even though we in Law Enforcement have our petty jurisdictional disagreements, we put it all aside when the safety of the public is at stake.
Yes the Virgin Islands are a Territory and have a right to self determination. As a people you should take steps to protect that right as you see fit. You are not entitled to cherry pick what you want from a Federal Government and expect to be treated as equal on all levels. In life decisions are made and consequences faced.
The Virgin Islands is inhabited by many wonderful peoples and cultures as is the United States. This offers unlimited possibilities and many responsibilities.
Equal rights are just that, Equal. It is not about if you feel you are treated rudely.
The Virgin Islands Government treats United States retired Law Officers as second class persons in not recognizing the Laws passed by The United States Congress and Senate. Yet The Virgin Islands Government sees no problem with Virgin Island Officers going to the United States mainland and other Territories armed and expect their Officers to be allowed to keep their weapons and walk around armed. Is that policy not a double standard and Rude?
How about compromise and respect? You will never stop all crime, Criminals are not smart people. An old saying is” locks only keep honest people honest.”
Think about the Young person who is thinking about that first step toward crime and through public information and education knows more trained people are armed and willing to prevent crime at no cost to the Government.
If you want respect, give respect. And never be afraid to be the first to give that respect.
Remember to be self governed is a responsibility not a right.
God Bless the Women and Men of Law Enforcement, The United States of America and The Virgin Islands.