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.
The fugitive known as John Dawn Emmanuel, also identified as Brent Dain Danglade and the alias “Small Brent,” who was first named by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) in connection with the May 2025 murder of Nyron Erickson in Tortola, is now also being sought by authorities in Sint Maarten in relation to a separate double homicide investigation.
Emmanuel was publicly identified in May 2025 as the prime suspect in the killing of Erickson and was considered armed and dangerous. At the time, BVI authorities launched an intensive manhunt and warned residents not to approach him.
Now, nearly a year later, the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Sint Maarten and KPSM Police have issued their own wanted notice, identifying the same suspect as the alleged shooter in the March 2, 2026 “Alligator” double murder investigation on Arlet Peters Road.
The victims in that case were Damien Sylvester and Denisha Delancy. Prosecutors described the incident as a targeted killing aimed at Sylvester, with Delancy believed to have been an unintended victim.
Police in Sint Maarten have released several images from different periods to show the public how Emmanuel has appeared over time, including both recent and older photographs. The published images highlight noticeable differences in his appearance across various stages, while investigators also noted that he has an elongated tattoo on the inside of his right forearm.
While law enforcement agencies across the Caribbean are coordinating efforts to locate him, JTV News BVI has not independently confirmed any active murder warrant issued by U.S. Virgin Islands authorities specifically charging Emmanuel. Current publicly documented wanted notices primarily involve the BVI murder investigation and the Sint Maarten double murder case. Regional cooperation with neighboring jurisdictions, including U.S. agencies, has been reported as part of broader search efforts.
Police continue to urge residents throughout the Virgin Islands and neighboring territories not to approach the suspect and to report any information directly to law enforcement.
JTV News will continue following developments in this major regional manhunt.
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.
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.
