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.”

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.

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.