I want to address issues of concern that you, the community we serve, have about the Police Department and the trust that is expected from us to you. As the lead law enforcement agency in the Virgin Islands, the Police Department is entrusted by every person in this community to protect life and property, to enforce the laws of the Virgin Islands, and to be the buffer between each of you and the criminal element.
In recent days, two ranking law enforcement personnel were arrested and charged with a series of serious crimes. While I understand that any person arrested is innocent until proven guilty and that an arrest is just the beginning of a process which in most instances ends up in a trial to determine guilt or innocence, I feel these arrests were once again black eyes to law enforcement territorywide, negatively affecting the public’s perception of us.
As Police commissioner designee, I oversee more than 400 police officers on three islands, as well as a number of civilian support staff. I want to assure you that the majority of our officers and staff are hardworking, conscientious, dedicated and honest people, with the best intentions in mind while serving each of you. Unfortunately, it takes only one to effectively erode the public’s trust we ask for each and every day.
I want to assure you I will not tolerate, condone, accept or protect, in any instance, any wrongdoing by any law enforcement officer in this territory. Officers are supposed to lead by example, not do as they want, when they want, at the expense of the public.
On May 24, nine police officers and one Port Authority officer successfully graduated from the Police Academy on St. Croix. It was a small class because we continue to be stringent in our application, screening and testing process.
The department has placed its trust in these officers, the same trust we have placed in all of our officers who wear our badge. We trust them to hold themselves to a higher standard than all other citizens of these Virgin Islands. Being a police officer is a heavy burden to bear, but it is a burden we accept willingly. Training cadres and others who participate in new officers trainings constantly caution them to do the right thing at all times, whether someone is watching or not.
When I was police chief for the St. Thomas/St. John district, I had the opportunity to address a number of graduating classes. In each and every address I reiterated some of the pitfalls that would lead to the end of their police careers, including domestic violence, using their badge for personal gain, or their authority to commit illegal acts against the very same people they swore to protect and serve.
Every day law enforcement officers are exposed to opportunities wherein they can choose to take the high road or the low road. I urge all law enforcement officers to choose the high road. Taking the low road is just not worth it. Eventually wrongdoings come to light with detrimental consequences, including the fact of the pain their wrongdoing causes their children, parents, family, friends and loved ones. It is a shame that families have to suffer because of the actions of a loved one who they too entrusted to protect and serve.
I encourage each of you, the people of this territory, to continue to be our eyes and ears, even if it means telling what you know about any criminal acts perpetrated by any law enforcement officer. This information could be passed on to either the local authorities or to the federal authorities. All law enforcement officers must stand tall, without the stain of wrongdoing, so we could continue to gain the full trust of every citizen residing in our communities.
As Police commissioner designee I vow to do all I can to restore the public’s trust in our department. This is important not only in rebuilding officers’ morale but also in providing the public the protection they deserve. We are your Police Department. So with a collective determination and resolve let’s move forward to that place we know we can achieve – a better, healthier Virgin Islands with the quality of life for residents and visitors we are all entitled to.
