Police Commissioner Henry White Jr. has postponed until after Sept. 30 putting the police force on four-day work weeks, after speaking with union representatives.

In a prepared statement, White said officers are participating in consent decree mandated training through the end of next month and such a change in shift would not achieve the desired effect at this time.

Police say the decision was reached during a scheduled St. Croix meeting Thursday morning with union representatives.

White said St. Thomas-St. John Police Benevolent Association President Cpl. Elroy Raymo was not present at the meeting but Law Enforcement Supervisors Union and PBA leaders from both districts were represented. St. Thomas/St. John union representatives participated in the meeting via teleconference.

“I am looking forward to future discussions with the union to develop workable solutions to pressing VIPD issues," White said, going on to say the Police Department will continue to develop strategies to increase visibility.

“Gun trafficking and gang violence are top priorities in our crime fighting initiatives,” White said. “We must concentrate on the effective deployment of our present manpower to increase visibility at all hours of the day and night to discourage criminal activity," he said.