Crime/Police
Marine Unit Training and Officer Vetting Among RVIPF’s 2025 Priorities

Acting Commissioner and Governor Outline Key Initiatives and Vision for the Year Ahead
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) convened its first Force Meeting of 2025 under the leadership of Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool. The meeting, attended by His Excellency the Governor and members of the Police Service Commission, served as a platform to highlight achievements from the past year and unveil strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the Force’s capabilities and public trust.
His Excellency the Governor announced a robust package of support from the United Kingdom, set to begin in February, that underscores a long-term commitment to bolstering the RVIPF. Two senior UK officers will be deployed to assist in critical areas, including organisational priorities and completing Volume 2 of His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) law review recommendations.
“These officers will provide vital expertise to support the Force’s ongoing transformation,” the Governor stated. He emphasised that their work will be directly aligned with the RVIPF’s leadership under Acting Commissioner Vanterpool.
Additional measures include specialised training and equipment upgrades for the Marine Unit, mentoring for the Intelligence Department, and the introduction of comprehensive vetting processes across law enforcement agencies following formal agreements.
The Governor also provided updates on the upcoming selection process for a permanent Commissioner of Police, which is expected to begin in the latter half of 2025 and could span six months.
Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool used the opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of RVIPF officers throughout 2024, noting progress in technology, infrastructure, and operational efficiency.
“Our officers worked tirelessly last year, and their efforts have laid a strong foundation for continued success,” Vanterpool said.
She announced several key milestones, including the confirmation of officers to the Permanent and Pensionable establishment and long-awaited promotions from Sergeants to Chief Inspectors.
Reiterating her commitment to accountability, the Acting Commissioner declared, “Under my leadership, any officer caught breaking the law will be prosecuted to the fullest extent.” She also emphasized a renewed focus on community engagement, promising increased visibility across all levels of the Force.
The meeting reinforced the RVIPF’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and accountability. Plans for 2025 include strengthening partnerships with local, regional, and international stakeholders to address evolving challenges and build trust with the public.
Crime/Police
BVI Sees Spike in Property Damage, Vehicle Thefts, and Assaults in Early 2025

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is reporting sharp increases in several categories of criminal activity for the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, underscoring ongoing challenges facing law enforcement and the wider community.
According to data released by the RVIPF, cases of Damaging Property rose by 75 percent, with 24 more incidents recorded than in the same timeframe in 2024. Theft of Motor Vehicles saw a 47 percent uptick, reflecting 8 additional reports year-over-year. Meanwhile, Minor Assaults climbed by 25 percent, with 18 more reported cases than in the first quarter of last year.
Authorities say that a significant portion of the increases in Damaging Property and Minor Assaults stem from domestic dispute incidents, signaling a troubling pattern that extends beyond traditional policing and requires a broader societal response.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool stressed the need for collaboration across all sectors of society.
“We urge the community to remain vigilant and work with the RVIPF to sustain these hard-won gains,” said Vanterpool. “Together, we must reverse the concerning trends in robberies, minor assaults, and other areas, to ensure long-term safety and security across the Territory. The issues underpinning our crime situation are complex and will require sustained efforts to ensure long-term gains. Everyone has a role to play in this fight.”
The RVIPF reaffirmed its commitment to targeted policing strategies and stronger public engagement. Police officials also called for continued support from social services, volunteer organizations, and civic groups, emphasizing that reducing crime — especially those rooted in domestic situations — requires a unified and sustained effort.
The Force is appealing to the public for information that can assist ongoing investigations. Citizens can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or share tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477, or overseas at (284) 800-8477.
Crime/Police
Two Masked Men Arrested Outside BVI Bank; Guns and Ammunition Seized, Police Say

A early-morning police operation led to the arrest of two masked men and the seizure of a firearm with multiple rounds of ammunition outside a popular bank in the British Virgin Islands, authorities said Thursday.
Officers with the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) responded around dawn to reports of two masked individuals near the bank. Police say the suspects attempted to flee but were quickly captured following a brief foot chase. A firearm and several rounds of ammunition were recovered at the scene.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool praised the officers’ decisive response, calling the operation “a clear example of our officers’ courage, dedication, and tactical skill.”
“Their quick actions may have prevented a more serious incident from occurring,” Vanterpool said, also thanking the public for their continued trust and support. “Every bit of information helps, and we urge anyone with knowledge that may assist this investigation to come forward.”
The suspects have not yet been identified publicly, and police say the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or reach out anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (locally) or (284) 800-8477 (from overseas).
ADVERTISEMENT:
Crime/Police
Crime in the Virgin Islands Drops to Five-Year Low

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has reported a marked decline in several serious crime categories for the first quarter of 2025, citing the lowest figures in at least five years.
According to newly released data covering January through March, serious assaults decreased by 17 percent compared to the same period in 2024 and are now 11 percent below the five-year average. Sexual offences fell even more sharply, down 42 percent year-over-year and 36 percent below the five-year norm.
Burglaries involving commercial premises, construction sites, and storage facilities also saw significant reductions. These incidents declined by 44 percent compared to the first quarter of last year, placing them 30 percent below the five-year average.
Murder rates remained low, with one homicide recorded in the first quarter of 2025, identical to the figure for 2024 and a substantial decrease from 2021, when four cases were reported during the same timeframe.
Police credited the reductions to focused enforcement efforts, intelligence-driven operations, and continued community cooperation. These initiatives, the RVIPF stated, have produced “real results in the fight against crime.”
-
Uncategorized1 week ago
Another Section of Threlfalls Collapses, Prompting Safety Concerns
-
Crime/Police2 days ago
Two Masked Men Arrested Outside BVI Bank; Guns and Ammunition Seized, Police Say
-
Local News1 week ago
Woman Seriously Injured in Motorcycle Crash at Fish Bay
-
Local News3 days ago
119 Individuals Granted British Overseas Territories Citizenship in the Virgin Islands
-
Uncategorized2 days ago
Major Drug and Weapon Seizures Mark Strong Start to 2025 for BVI Police
-
Crime/Police1 week ago
BVI Begins Vetting of Police Officers, Reopen Search for Commissioner
-
Crime/Police2 weeks ago
Police to Enforce Noise Act Amid Complaints About Loud Scooters, Trucks
-
Uncategorized1 week ago
BVI Shuts Down Liquor Sales for Good Friday — Violators Face Fines, Police Warn