Deputy Police Commissioner Alwin James and Chief Inspector Kenrick Headley spoke with the media during a press conference held Tuesday at police headquarters. Photo: ERIC VOORHIS

Top police officers in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force sat in a small conference room Tuesday morning and spoke to reporters about everything from unsolved murders to scooter safety — a particularly sensitive issue following two deaths within a month.

“Looking at 2013, it was certainly another building year,” Police Commissioner David Morris said.

According to crime statistics provided by police, there were 247 fewer crimes reported in 2013 than there were in 2012. Burglary is down about 30 percent, and “vehicle-related” thefts are down roughly a quarter.

However, domestic violence continues to be a serious problem in the territory, making up 43 percent of all reported violence, Mr. Morris said.

“That tells us that people are feeling more encouraged to come forward,” he added, “but domestic violence continues to be a serious problem in the territory.”

A control room has been established, and 16 CCTV cameras have been installed in the territory, with more planned for the future. But the cameras won’t go live until March, when Governor Boyd McCleary is scheduled to approve the necessary surveillance law, according to Mr. Morris.

 

See the Jan. 30, 2014 edition for full coverage.

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