Royal Virgin Islands Police Force Sergeant Richard Francis was officially charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm on Aug. 11, according to a police press release issued last Thursday.

The charge follows investigations into an alleged domestic violence incident reported in February, the release stated.

Mr. Francis was interdicted from duty the same day he was charged, Police Information Officer Diane Drayton told the Beacon on Tuesday.

He was granted bail in the sum of $5,000 and is scheduled to appear in Magistrates’ Court on Sept. 29, Ms. Drayton said.

Police Commissioner Mark Collins said in a press release that accusations against officers will be thoroughly investigated and that officers will be suspended or charged if sufficient evidence is provided.

He also emphasised the need for officers to “align their personal and public lives with the force’s professional standards.”

Mr. Collins stated his “firm stance” that an officer’s behaviour must be exemplary on and off duty, the release stated.