Funding Crisis Sparks Urgent Call for Youth Programs

During a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the funding and training priorities for the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) and the management of facilities. Dda Hughes III, acting director of facilities management and properties, highlighted the ongoing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding property turnover, emphasizing the need for clarity on funding allocations for youth programs. Hughes stressed the importance of preventing crime through opportunities for young people, urging for transparency in the progress of funded initiatives.

Senator James raised concerns about the adequacy of training funding for police officers, questioning the acting commissioner about the department's training priorities. Commissioner Brooks responded that the department prioritizes in-service training, which includes essential skills such as consent decree compliance and equipment recertification. He noted that additional specialized training, including SWAT and marine unit training, is also planned.

Senator Carrion inquired about the VIPD's capital outlay request, which was notably low at $7,000, designated for a storage unit for PAL equipment. The senator pressed for details on maintenance funding for police facilities, to which it was clarified that operational units manage their own repair budgets.

The meeting also addressed federal funding, with the VIPD receiving approximately $18 million from the ARPA fund, primarily for vehicle purchases and the establishment of a real-time crime center. Commissioner Brooks confirmed that a detailed breakdown of expenditures would be provided, as there was a need for transparency regarding how funds were allocated.

In terms of accounts payable, the VIPD reported $1.9 million in processed payments, with some invoices pending due to approval delays from the Department of Finance. The department also generated approximately $492,251 in revenue from various sources, including police records and licensing fees, with projections for fiscal year 2025 indicating a slight increase in revenue.

Overall, the meeting underscored the critical need for effective funding management and training for law enforcement, as well as the importance of supporting youth programs to prevent crime in the community.