Crime/Police

Will the PSC Endorse Governor Pruce’s Pick of Richard Alger as Acting Police Commissioner?

Published

5 months ago

November 12, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission (PSC) is said to be deliberating on Governor Daniel Pruce’s recommendation to appoint former Gibraltar Police Commissioner Richard Alger as interim Acting Commissioner of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF).

The move was revealed during the Governor’s appearance on the radio programme Talking Points on Monday, November 10.

A Strategic Response to a Changing Policing Landscape Governor Pruce said Alger’s nomination was made in direct response to the “evolving and increasingly complex challenges” facing the police force.

“The appointment of an interim leader with Alger’s experience is aimed at strengthening the resilience and operational effectiveness of the police force,” — Governor Daniel Pruce

He noted, however, that his recommendation is not yet final and remains subject to the advice of the Police Service Commission, as required under the Virgin Islands Constitution. “I await the advice of the Police Service Commission before any final decision is made,” the Governor added, explaining that another candidate could be selected depending on the PSC’s conclusion.

Addressing Questions Over Alger’s Background Richard Alger, who served as Commissioner of Police in Gibraltar and has extensive overseas policing experience, has faced renewed public scrutiny following media reports of past allegations during his tenure there.

Governor Pruce addressed those reports directly, clarifying that the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) had investigated the matter and found no evidence of wrongdoing.

“The National Crime Agency review confirmed that Mr. Alger neither disclosed information nor acted discreditably,” — Governor Pruce

Transition Within the Force

The recommendation comes as current Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool prepares to return to her substantive post as Deputy Commissioner of Police on November 18, 2025.

Governor Pruce praised Vanterpool’s service, describing her as a “dedicated officer with a long and distinguished career”, while explaining that the prolonged period of acting leadership had created internal strain within the RVIPF.

“In any complex organization, prolonged acting leadership affects resilience and smooth functioning,” he noted.

Governor Daniel Pruce

Temporary Role, UK-Funded Support

The interim position is expected to last only a few months and will be fully funded by the United Kingdom, providing financial flexibility to strengthen the senior leadership team.

Governor Pruce said the funding will “create headroom within the RVIPF budget” to enhance resilience and continuity at the top levels of the force.

Meanwhile, the process to select a permanent Commissioner of Police continues separately. The PSC’s recommendation for that role has already been submitted to the National Security Council (NSC) for review before a final decision is made.

Commitment to Security and Stability Governor Pruce reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the police force remains well-positioned to meet the growing security needs of the territory.

“These decisions are made to ensure the police force is equipped to meet the challenges ahead and maintain the safety and security of everyone in the Virgin Islands,” — Governor Daniel Pruce

Who is Richard Alger?

Richard Alger is a seasoned law enforcement professional who most recently served as Commissioner of Police in Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory.

During his tenure, Alger oversaw several major security operations and worked closely with UK and international agencies on organized crime and border security initiatives.

Although his name appeared in media reports linked to allegations made during a court case in Gibraltar, the UK’s National Crime Agency later cleared him of any wrongdoing, stating that no evidence supported the claims.

If endorsed by the PSC, Alger would serve as interim Acting Commissioner of the RVIPF, helping to guide the force through its ongoing transition and strengthening its operational readiness while the search for a permanent Commissioner continues.

Deputy Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool

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Crime/Police

Tarik Aaron Arrested on USVI Extradition Warrant

Published

18 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Editor

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.

According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.

Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.

Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.

Crime/Police

Two Men Arrested in Free Bottom After Police Recover Modified Firearm, Drugs and Ammunition

Published

6 days ago

April 17, 2026

Temp User

Dalfree Rodriguez De La Rosa, 22, of Hannah’s Estate, Tortola, and John Harvey, 33, of Purcell Estate, Tortola, were arrested on April 16, after officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) recovered a modified firearm, cannabis and ammunition during a stop-and-check operation in Free Bottom, police said.

According to the RVIPF, officers on patrol conducted the stop and discovered a Glock pistol, a quantity of cannabis and 13 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition. The firearm was later identified as a prohibited weapon that had been modified for fully automatic fire.

De La Rosa has been charged with possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply, possession of explosives and possession of a prohibited firearm. Harvey has been charged with possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply.

Acting Commissioner Kenrick Davis, speaking on behalf of the Senior Command Team, commended the officers involved in the operation.

“Their continued professionalism, teamwork, and commitment to duty have significantly contributed to the safety and security of our community,” Davis said.

The RVIPF said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to address illegal firearms and drug-related activity across the Territory.

Crime/Police

Six New Police Vehicles Added to RVIPF Fleet to Strengthen Operations

Published

1 week ago

April 15, 2026

Editor

Six new police vehicles have been added to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) fleet as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen law enforcement capacity in the Territory.

The force stated that the vehicles will support policing operations by improving mobility, response times and visibility across communities in the Virgin Islands.

“These additions form part of our continued efforts to enhance operational capacity and visibility across our communities,” the RVIPF said in a statement.

The vehicles are expected to be deployed on roads throughout the Territory as they begin active patrols in support of law enforcement duties.

The RVIPF also indicated that additional vehicles are expected to arrive in the coming months, further expanding the resources available to officers.