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Thursday, March 28, 2024
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VIPD to “Flood the Streets” with Officers to Ensure Safe Holidays

VIPD Commissioner Novelle E. Francis Jr. promised a heightened police presence throughout the holidays.Police Commissioner Novelle Francis Jr. promised to "flood the streets" with officers during the holidays and especially during the Crucian Christmas Festival.

Francis and other V.I. Police brass spoke Thursday morning to hammer home points about holiday safety, drinking and driving, domestic violence and juvenile curfew laws during the hour-long session with members of the territory’s media.

Francis said the next few weeks are a time for people to enjoy the holidays, but it’s also when criminals and troublemakers are looking for the chance to make their holiday by spoiling yours.

"We will leave no stone unturned to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors during this festive season," Francis said

The commissioner said he is ordering officers driving on patrol to keep their windows down so they can be more responsive to residents. While he wouldn’t commit to specific numbers of officers on the street or a percentage of the force that will be on duty at any given time, he pledged to have every available man and woman in uniform out on patrol.

"I’ll be emptying my office and redeploying those individuals on the street," he said.

But the police can’t be everywhere at once, and he called on residents to help fill the gap.

"Be your brother’s keeper, be your sister’s keeper, be a nosy neighbor," he said. And encourage your neighbors to do the same for you, he added.

Francis said he’s not asking residents to confront any criminals, just to call 911 if they see anything suspicious—even if you’re not sure what’s going on, he said. The police will sort it out.

Other topics addressed during the press conference included

• Shopping safety: St. Croix Police Chief Oakland Benta encouraged shoppers to keep aware of their surroundings. Park and walk in well-lit areas and be aware of people who might appear threatening. When using an ATM, make sure you’re not being watched by a stranger, even one who holds the door or engages in pleasant conversation, but who might be putting you off your guard so he can rob you when you’ve got your cash.

• Curfew: Francis and his staff reminded parents, guardians and minors that curfew laws will be stringently enforced during the holiday season. People younger than 16 must be off the streets or highways before 10 p.m. unless accompanied by an adult who is legally responsible for the child’s behavior. Unsupervised minors can be taken into custody by the police and held until they are released to their parents or guardians, Francis said.

Benta said that last weekend 13 juveniles were taken into custody for being out after curfew. The youngsters were held until their parents came for them, and the parents were reminded of the law and their possible liability. Under certain circumstances, the parents of children out after curfew who break the law can be ordered to do community service and even fined.

• Liquor laws: No one younger than 18 can legally enter any establishment that serves alcohol. These establishments – bars, restaurants, clubs – are required by law to ask for the identification that shows proof of age from anyone who look younger than 30-year-old. An establishment that serves alcohol to minors can face criminal charges.

• Drunken driving: Thursday marked the official start of the department’s crackdown on driving under the influence of alcohol or prescription or controlled drugs. Police traffic control stops will be employed, and Benta said if you’ve been out drinking to celebrate the holidays and decide to drive home, there’s a good chance you’ll be caught.

An accident last Saturday morning on the Melvin Evans Highway brought home the point. One of the passengers was severely injured and had to be flown to Boston for treatment. The driver of one of the vehicles has been charged with driving under the influence, Benta said.

• Domestic violence: While the holidays are a time of fun and peace, they can also create a lot of pressure, especially in a family situation.

Benta cautioned residents of the consequences of domestic violence. "When you incite violence in a household where there are children, they learn that behavior,” he said. They grow up thinking that’s normal."

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