Police Commissioner Franz Christian said Monday there was "absolutely no truth" to reports that officers in the St. Croix district have been given orders not to enforce the compulsory insurance law.
Christian was responding to reports in the Sunday-Monday editions of the St. Croix Avis and its sister publication, the V.I. Independent, that Deputy Police Chief Novelle Francis had said the legality of the law was in question and ordered officers on St. Croix not to issue citations.
Christian said he did not know where the reports came from. "Anyone found operating a vehicle absent of the insurance required in the law will be cited," he said.
The police commissioner had to issue his public statement in response to a number of calls to his office from people who have purchased insurance and don't think it is fair for the uninsured to escape with no consequences.
On Sunday, Sen. Roosevelt David said he was "astonished and disappointed" at the report of the alleged police policy.
The mandatory insurance law went into effect on Feb. 13. There has been some opposition to the law on the grounds that it is illegal. However, Christian said he will instruct his officers to enforce carry out what the Legislature mandated.
The police chief did say motorists will not be stopped by an officer just for a check of insurance.
"But if you are stopped for a primary violation, an officer can ask for your registration and proof of insurance," Christian said, adding that the law will be enforced.
"There will be no deviation unless the courts or Legislature repeals the act," he said.
