Gov. Charles W. Turnbull huddled Wednesday morning with the territory's top Police and Justice Department officials to discuss plans to bring criminals to justice and reassure the community that public safety has not been compromised by a spate of violence on St. Thomas.
Terming the recent occurrences of crime "unacceptable," Turnbull said he had directed the Police Department to devise a way to stem the tide of violent crime on the island. "I am convinced that the plan shared with me today will bring about immediate results," he said.
The governor said he will seek federal law-enforcement assistance if he feels it is necessary.
Without disclosing specifics of the plan, Police Commissioner Franz Christian said that despite personnel and equipment shortages due to budgetary constraints, the territorial police chief and his deputies have begun to enforce the multi-faceted crime-reduction initiative.
"It involves the redeployment of available enforcement officers for street-related duty," Christian said. "Leave for officers has been canceled to allow us to beef up our manpower strength on every front."
Police Chief Jose Garcia said the plan also includes an "infusion of manpower" from the department's specialized units as well as officers from the St. Croix district, the auxiliary police force and other government peace officers.
The Justice Department will not recommend bail for anyone arrested for V.I. Carnival-related crimes. Further, Attorney General Iver Stridiron said he will oppose bail for anyone "arrested for weapons possession crimes during Carnival activities."
Lt. Gov. Gerard Luz James II, who attended the meeting, said "the safety of residents and visitors alike will be protected."
Other police officials at the meeting included Assistant Commissioner Bruce Hamlin, St. Thomas Deputy Chief Theodore Carty, St. John zone commander Rene Garcia, Investigation Bureau commander Alvin Venzen and Major Crime Unit supervisor Reynold Fraser.
Government House officials present included chief of staff Juel Molloy, assistant to the governor Rudolph Krigger Sr., chief counsel Paul Gimenez, drug policy adviser Wayne Chinnery, special assistant Roy Frett and deputy chief of staff Alric Simmonds. Also present were the lieutenant governor's chief of staff, Nathan Simmonds; St. Thomas-Water Island administrator Louis Hill; and Justice Department Criminal Division chief attorney Guy H. Mitchell.
