Crime/Police
Allegations of Evidence Tampering within RVIPF Spark Concerns

Concerned Citizen Advocates for Police Commissioner’s Removal, Urging Independent Investigation
British Virgin Islands Governor John Rankin has received a letter from a concerned citizen for the removal of Police Commissioner Mark Collins to facilitate an impartial and independent investigation into serious allegations, including the tampering of evidence, against the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF).
The November 2 letter, penned by the concerned citizen stated that “concerns were initially raised in 2023 when allegations were made of an email from the office of the Commissioner of Police of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) which was sent to St. Clair Amory, O’Neal Bakker and Cc: to Jacquelyn Vanterpool circulating within the Virgin Islands and the international world. As it relates to a discussion surrounding the arrest and charge of a police officer the matter was discussed by the Commissioner of Police with the DPP and stated that: “The matter has been discontinued by the DPP”. The Commissioner gave certain instructions and various decisions were made by the Commissioner of Police for the evidence to be destroyed and should the video footage be released in the public domain there will be a PSD investigation.”
The leaked email not only raised questions about the internal workings of the RVIPF but also created a public relations crisis. Commissioner Collins when questioned about the email during a recent press conference did not deny its authenticity.
This raised further concerns about the credibility of the RVIPF and its leadership. The concerned citizen points to several other key issues, including the discrepancies in the treatment of officers and joint criminal conspiracy.
“Allegations are made against subordinate Police officers for committing disciplinary or criminal offences and they are being interdicted and removed from office by the Commissioner of Police, during which period of interdiction an investigation is being conducted, and if there is sufficient evidence to substantiate the allegation, then criminal charges will be brought against the officers.”
The correspondence added: “Similarly, the same principle applied to those officers should apply to the Commissioner of Police and those other gazetted officers whose names were mentioned in the email and the office of the DPP, in accordance with equality before the law; they should be afforded the same opportunity to face justice under the criminal justice system.”
The letter stressed that the Commissioner of Police does not possess any legal authority to eliminate evidence in criminal proceedings, as there is no statutory law granting such power.
“There is no statutory law authorising the Commissioner of Police to destroy any evidence in criminal proceedings. The Commissioner has no statutory authority to give instructions to any subordinate Police officers as to the destruction of evidence in any criminal or disciplinary proceedings. Therefore, evidence can only be destroyed by an order made by a court of law.”
“For those very same reasons stated I am of the opinion and have been supported by the statutory law that the Commissioner of Police should be interdicted or removed from office to have a fair and transparent investigation into this matter.”
“I am quite confident that this is not what you want from members of His Majesty’s Royal Virgin Police Force. So I am calling on you to conduct an investigation into the allegations independent of the Commissioner Mr Mark Collin, Deputy Commissioner Mr. St. Clair Amory and Ms. Jacquelyn Vanterpool.”
Collins attended the press conference on Thursday, October 12, 2023, initiated by Governor John J. Rankin, CMG, and Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7). During the conference, Collins asserted that the situation was deemed “an internal matter” by the authorities, emphasizing that he had “nothing to hide.” He clarified that the issue revolved around a conflict between two officers and a leaked email he was aware of.
“I will be very clear; it was not evidence related to a particular case. It was between two individual officers, one who threatened to release something about another officer, and I told him not to do it and if he did do it there would be an investigation.”
Crime/Police
BVI Begins Vetting of Police Officers, Reopen Search for Commissioner

The Governor of the Virgin Islands, Mr. Daniel Pruce, has announced the start of two major developments in the territory’s law enforcement framework: the formal initiation of a vetting process for all officers in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) and the reopening of the recruitment campaign for a new Commissioner of Police.
In a statement released today, April 17, Governor Pruce confirmed that legal amendments have been made to the relevant regulations and the agreement with the UK Home Office has been signed, enabling the start of police officer vetting across the force.
The process follows a recommendation made in 2022 by the Commission of Inquiry, which called for all RVIPF officers to undergo background vetting. According to the Governor, while the Police Service Commission (PoSC) has not yet reached the point of engaging with the Home Office vetting team, preparations are ongoing and collaboration with the PoSC will continue.
The vetting process will now move forward under the updated regulations, with a stated goal of vetting all serving officers by the autumn. Once completed, this will mark the first time the RVIPF is fully vetted.
The Governor clarified that police vetting is standard in the UK and other jurisdictions, intended to support professional conduct and enhance interagency cooperation. The initiative is also part of fulfilling a key recommendation from the Commission of Inquiry.
Governor Pruce also confirmed that the recruitment process for the next Commissioner of Police has resumed. The previous campaign was suspended in late 2024, pending the release of the second volume of the HMICFRS Law Enforcement Review. That document provided updated guidance on the qualifications and leadership capabilities required for the post.
A new person specification has been developed, and applications are now being accepted. According to the Governor, the role will require extensive policing experience and the capacity to lead the RVIPF through a period of change and development.
The recruitment process is being led by the Police Service Commission in coordination with the Deputy Governor and the central human resources team. The target is to have a new Commissioner appointed and in post by the autumn.
Governor Pruce noted the importance of cooperation among law enforcement agencies, government partners, and the community. He also acknowledged the continued work of current RVIPF officers during the ongoing reform processes.
Both initiatives—police vetting and the Commissioner recruitment—are intended to strengthen the operational framework of the RVIPF in accordance with local regulations and external review recommendations.
Crime/Police
Police to Enforce Noise Act Amid Complaints About Loud Scooters, Trucks

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has announced plans to increase enforcement of noise pollution regulations in 2025, with a particular focus on motor scooters and heavy-duty lorries that have drawn repeated complaints from the public.
Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Dariel Robinson, who heads Operations, confirmed that the RVIPF will be prioritising enforcement of the Noise Control and Abatement Act (1996) this year. The move comes in response to growing concerns from residents about the impact of excessively loud vehicles on quality of life throughout the Territory.
“We continue to receive regular reports from members of the community regarding noise disturbances caused by motorbikes and large lorries,” Robinson said. “These disturbances, especially during late-night and early-morning hours, are affecting the peace and well-being of our residents, particularly the elderly.”
Under the Act, individuals found in breach may face arrest, charges, and court proceedings. The RVIPF is encouraging all vehicle owners—particularly those operating scooters and commercial lorries—to ensure their vehicles are in compliance with the legal noise limits.
“This is a matter of public interest,” Robinson added. “We are asking the public to revisit the details of the Act and to share this information with others who may be affected. Enforcement will begin in earnest in 2025, and we intend to take firm action where necessary.”
The RVIPF reiterated its commitment to ensuring safer, quieter communities across the Virgin Islands and is appealing to the public to support efforts aimed at reducing noise pollution and fostering a more respectful living environment.
Crime/Police
Prison Superintendent Addresses Attack on Officer at Balsam Ghut

A correctional officer was attacked by an inmate with known mental health challenges at His Majesty’s Prison on Sunday, March 30.
Superintendent of Prison Jay Kendall in a statement confirmed that immediate action taken by officers involved to ensure everyone’s safety.
“Our team responded rapidly and with professionalism,” Kendall said. “The situation was de-escalated with appropriate force to ensure the safety of all individuals involved, and the incident was brought under control within minutes.”
Kendall assured the public that both the officer and the inmate received medical attention at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital and were treated and released the same day.
“I am relieved that both the officer and the inmate are now in stable condition. We are grateful for the medical team’s prompt and compassionate care,” Kendall noted. “Their quick intervention was critical in managing what could have been a much more serious situation.”
The superintendent also praised his staff for their vigilance and quick thinking in responding to the crisis.
“This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of corrections work, where staff must often balance security with managing complex mental health needs,” he stated. “I want to commend my officers for their professionalism. Their actions prevented further harm, ensuring that the situation was contained swiftly.”
Kendall reiterated that the prison continues to face challenges in managing inmates with mental health issues, a concern that has prompted ongoing efforts to strengthen safety and rehabilitation programs.
“For the past 18 months, we’ve worked closely with the Ministry of Health and Social Development and the Governor’s Office to enhance safety protocols, improve officer training, and introduce mental health awareness initiatives,” he explained. “We’ve also upgraded protective equipment and communication tools to ensure our officers can respond effectively in critical situations.”
While Kendall acknowledged progress, he stressed that continuous improvement is essential.
“We are committed to enhancing our procedures and resources to uphold the highest standards of care, security, and rehabilitation,” he said. “Mental health remains a priority, and we will continue to work with our partners to develop better interventions that support both institutional security and inmate well-being.”
In closing, Kendall expressed his appreciation for the collective efforts of those involved in managing the situation.
“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who played a role in responding to this incident,” he said. “We remain committed to the safety, security, and well-being of both our staff and the individuals in our care.”
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