The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has arrested three men following a targeted operation in the Threllfall area on Friday, February 7, as part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal firearm possession.

Following the operation, authorities formally charged one suspect, George Ollivierre Jr., 32, with Possession of a Prohibited Firearm and two counts of Unlawful Possession of Explosives. Law enforcement officials stated that Ollivierre was found in possession of 35 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition and one round of 9mm ammunition. He remains in police custody pending his appearance before the Magistrate’s Court.

Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool reaffirmed the RVIPF’s commitment to tackling gun-related crimes. “The public is reminded that possessing unlicensed firearms and ammunition is a serious offense, and law enforcement will take all necessary actions to ensure the safety of the community,” Vanterpool stated.

The arrests mark the latest effort by authorities to curb the presence of illegal firearms in the territory, a persistent issue that law enforcement agencies have been aggressively addressing. The RVIPF continues to encourage the public to report any information related to illegal weapons or suspicious activity.

Individuals with relevant information are urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or, for those calling from overseas, at (284) 800-8477. Alternatively, information can be shared confidentially with the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is warning the public against the illegal circulation of explicit material involving minors, following reports of a video featuring high school students being shared across digital platforms.

Law enforcement officials stress that the possession, transmission, or distribution of such content constitutes a serious criminal offense under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act of 2014. The law prohibits using a computer to “distribute, transmit, disseminate, circulate, exhibit, deliver [or] procure” material depicting child abuse, which includes child pornography.

Chief Inspector Kenrick Davis, who heads the Criminal Investigations Department, noted that recent amendments to the law have broadened the legal definition of a “computer” to include mobile phones, digital video recorders, and closed-circuit television systems. As a result, individuals who store or share such material via their smartphones are equally liable under the law.

Violators face severe penalties. Those convicted in the Magistrate’s Court could receive a fine of up to $200,000, up to seven years in prison, or both. More serious cases tried in the High Court could result in fines of up to $500,000, up to 14 years in prison, or both.

The RVIPF has adopted a strict zero-tolerance policy toward child exploitation materials and vows to take swift action against those involved in their creation, distribution, or possession.

“We urge the public to act responsibly and refrain from sharing or storing explicit content involving minors. Anyone caught engaging in this activity will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” Davis said in a statement.

Authorities are also urging individuals who have received such material to delete it immediately and refrain from further circulation. Parents, educators, and guardians are encouraged to have open discussions with young people about the legal and personal consequences of engaging in or distributing explicit content.

For further information, individuals may contact the RVIPF Family and Juvenile Unit at 368-9401. Reports can be made confidentially through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or, for international callers, at (284) 800-8477. The RVIPF Intelligence Unit can also be reached at 368-9339.

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Senior officials of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) have begun patrolling alongside officers as part of an effort to increase public engagement and reinforce community policing initiatives.

The initiative, which began in December 2024, was outlined Thursday during the RVIPF’s first press conference of the year. Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool said the effort is designed to create stronger connections between law enforcement and the public.

“While senior management may not be present daily, their scheduled participation reinforces our shared commitment to listening, understanding, and supporting the community,” Vanterpool said.

The patrols involve members of senior management, police constables, and auxiliary officers walking through communities, greeting residents, speaking with business owners, and engaging with tourists. The initiative aims to enhance police visibility and accessibility.

So far, the presence of senior officials in patrols has drawn positive reactions from community members, who have engaged in discussions with officers on various concerns. The effort is part of a broader push to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the public.

The RVIPF has not set an end date for the initiative, stating that it will continue as part of the force’s commitment to maintaining public safety and fostering community partnerships.