Press Statement On Rvipf Police Commissioner Recruitment Process

From Governor Of The British Virgin Islands

Mr Daniel Pruce

Earlier this year we started the process to recruit a new Commissioner of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), with a view to having the successful applicant in place from the end of November. I have now decided to suspend that process. 

This delay will create a gap after the end of Commissioner Collins' contract next month. I will therefore look to the RVIPF senior leadership team to bridge that and to support the new Commissioner when they start in due course. I will also seek additional reinforcement at senior level. I wish to explain why I have taken this decision.

The security challenges facing the Virgin Islands are becoming more complex. The first volume of the law enforcement review, conducted by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services, featured 138 recommendations. Many of those fell to the RVIPF.  The police have been making good progress in implementing them, but much work remains to be done.

The second volume due in a few months will add to that. I expect a large number of more fundamental recommendations.  These will shape the future of the RVIPF for years to come.

Meanwhile the RVIPF, alongside our other law enforcement agencies, are responding every day to the threats to our collective security. 

The police are at the centre of our security effort. So, the recruitment of a new Commissioner will be critical in delivering a step change in our fight against crime.

The assessments of volumes one and two show that the qualities we need in that new Commissioner are different to those we sought when we launched the recruitment process earlier this year. We need someone who can lead a mission-critical organisation through a complex strategic transformation, while delivering improved operational outcomes.

Consequently, I am terminating the current recruitment process so that we can redefine the skills and experience required and advertise again. It is my intention to launch a new process as soon as possible.

I should like to express my thanks to all those who applied in the current competition.  I recognise this will be disappointing news for you.  But I have a constitutional duty to ensure I do my utmost to deliver security for the islands. It was my top priority when I was sworn in as Governor. Ensuring we have the right person to lead the RVIPF through the challenges the police face is crucial to that. Candidates who applied for the original role are not disqualified from the new process. They would need to re-apply showing they meet the requirements of the new job description.   

I should like to thank all those working with me to deliver a successful outcome to this, including the National Security Council and the Police Service Commission.

Above all, to the officers of the RVIPF, I should like to say this: you are a remarkable body of committed men and women who deserve outstanding leadership.  Appointing a new Commissioner of Police is likely to be the single most important security decision I will take during my tenure as Governor. I owe it to you, and to all the people of the Virgin Islands, to ensure I get it right.