The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has completed its first round of promotions under a new policy, according to a police press release.

The new system, which was approved by the governor, the Police Service Commission and the Attorney General’s Chambers, took effect in March with 89 applications.

Of those, 14 officers applied for the rank of chief inspector, 22 for the rank of inspector and 53 for the rank of sergeant, according to the release.

Six inspectors qualified for promotion based on marks received on a research paper and an interview, while 10 sergeants qualified for inspector and 21 constables qualified for sergeant.

“We needed a policy that could professionalise the whole promotional process and give the needed transparency that all could see,” acting Police Commissioner David Morris said in the release. “This new policy was developed and overseen by a promotion board chaired by the deputy, and included the business support director, human resource manager, a superintendent and the chair of the Police Welfare Association.”