Veteran United Kingdom police chief and Queen’s Police Medal honouree Mr. Mark Collins will take up the post of Commissioner of the Royal Virgin Islands Police in April.

His Excellency the Governor Augustus Jaspert appointed Mr. Collins, acting in accordance with the advice of the Police Service Commission, in keeping with the procedure outlined in 97 of the Virgin Islands Constitution.

The Governor said, “I am delighted that Mr. Collins has accepted the position of Commissioner of Police, he will bring a great deal of experience and knowledge to the role.” He added that Mr. Collins’ leadership experience in particular will be valuable as the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force continues to build capacity among its leadership ranks.

Governor Jaspert went on to thank the Police Service Commission for their role in the recruitment process. He also extended appreciation to Commissioner Michael Matthews for his commitment and dedication to the role for the last four years.

Mr. Collins said of his appointment, “I very much look forward to starting my new role as Commissioner of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, and serving the people of BVI.”

Mr. Collins will bring more than 33 years of experience in law enforcement to the post. Most recently, he served as the Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police in Wales, a position he held for four years. Prior to that, he served as Deputy Chief Constable in Bedfordshire and as Borough Commander of Walthamstow as part of London’s Metropolitan Police. Mr. Collins currently serves as the lead officer for mental health matters and for child sexual exploitation in the UK National Police Chiefs’ Council.

Mr. Collins was made a Fellow of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David in 2019 and was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for his services to policing in Her Majesty’s New Year Honours List 2020.

CAPTION: Mr. Mark Collins