Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool and members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) joined law enforcement officials from across the region on Aug. 5 for the swearing-in of Deborah L. Hodge as Chief of Police for the St. Thomas–St. John District and Uston A. Cornelius as Chief of Police for the St. Croix District.
The ceremony, held at the University of the Virgin Islands’ Elridge W. Blake Sports & Fitness Center, marked the first time a woman has been appointed to lead the St. Thomas–St. John District. “Chief Hodge’s appointment is a historic moment for the Virgin Islands Police Department and an inspiration for women in policing across the region,” the RVIPF said in a statement.
Chief Hodge and Chief Cornelius formally took their oaths of office before colleagues, government officials, and members of the community. According to the VIPD, both chiefs bring “decades of experience, strong community ties, and a vision for advancing public safety in the Territory.”
Commissioner Vanterpool said attending the ceremony underscored the RVIPF’s commitment to regional cooperation. “We are proud to stand with our partners in the U.S. Virgin Islands to support leadership that is dedicated to integrity, professionalism, and service,” she said.
The RVIPF added that it “extends congratulations to Chief Hodge and Chief Cornelius on their appointments and wishes them success as they take on these important leadership roles.”
