Senators demand urgent police redeployment strategy to combat crime

During a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the operational efficiency and resource allocation within the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD). Senator Gittins highlighted issues related to overtime payments, specifically pointing out a problematic policy that allows officers to receive three hours of overtime pay for merely showing up five minutes late. This practice has raised alarms about potential abuse and inefficiency within the department.

Gittins urged the acting commissioner to commit to developing a new redeployment strategy aimed at enhancing patrol and traffic operations. He criticized the current situation where many officers are reportedly underutilized in office roles rather than active patrol duties, suggesting that some promotions may have been made to meet supervisory requirements rather than based on operational needs.

In response, the acting commissioner acknowledged the concerns and expressed a willingness to collaborate on a redeployment strategy. The discussion also touched on the status of a new patrol vessel for the Saint Thomas-St. John district, which is complete but awaiting payment for wrapping before it can be shipped to the islands. The commissioner indicated that the payment had been submitted, but the timeline for its arrival remains uncertain, with hopes for its delivery by the end of the month.

Senator Capehart, who has experience in police administration, also participated in the dialogue, emphasizing the importance of addressing these operational challenges promptly, especially in light of ongoing crime issues in the territory. The meeting underscored a collective commitment among lawmakers and police leadership to improve policing effectiveness and resource management in the Virgin Islands.