Governor Daniel Pruce has recommended former Royal Gibraltar Police Commissioner Richard Ullger to serve as interim acting commissioner of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, pending formal approval by the Police Service Commission and the National Security Council.
Ullger, who led the Royal Gibraltar Police for five years and later served as acting commissioner in the Falklands and St. Helena, is expected to assume the post on Nov. 18. The appointment is intended to ensure continuity following the end of Jacqueline Vanterpool’s tenure as acting commissioner. Vanterpool will return to her role as deputy commissioner after more than a year in the acting position.
In a statement issued Nov. 6, Pruce said the interim appointment process would follow constitutional procedures and emphasized the importance of transparency and stability within the force. “The nominee is Richard Ullger, former commissioner of the Royal Gibraltar Police,” Pruce said. “He has extensive senior policing experience in the context of the UK’s Overseas Territories.”
The governor added that the United Kingdom will fund the interim role to ease resourcing pressures within the force. The arrangement will allow three deputy commissioners to remain in post simultaneously, a move intended to strengthen senior leadership and operational resilience.
Pruce also thanked Vanterpool for her leadership during what he described as a demanding year for the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ms. Vanterpool for her service as acting commissioner over the past twelve months,” he said, acknowledging the support of her team and the wider police force.
The governor noted that recruitment for a permanent commissioner continues and reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining public safety. “As I committed upon being sworn in as governor in January 2024, I am duty-bound by the Constitution to ensure the safety and security of the Virgin Islands,” Pruce said. “This is a responsibility I take with utmost seriousness, and I will continue to do all within my power to uphold it.”
He concluded by commending officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force for their continued dedication and service to the people of the Virgin Islands.
