In light of recent crime trends in the territory, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force hopes to add 88 police officers in the next three to four years.
Former Police Commissioner Reynell Frazer, who retired from active duty last month, told the Standing Finance Committee during its recent deliberations that more officers are needed to patrol the streets and provide optimal service to the territory, according to a report on the closed-door SFC proceedings.
Acting Police Commissioner David Morris, who was then deputy commissioner, estimated it would cost $750,000 annually to cover salary costs for an additional 22 officers per year. He told legislators 88 more police officers must be hired to reach the 297 the force needs and that recruiting them would take three to four years.
On Monday, Mr. Morris said the requested funding had not been granted, but that the force assured “reassurances” that is likely will be forthcoming in the near future.
He added that the force is currently proceeding with plans to recruit 22 officers this year.
And, while the RVIPF did not receive the requested funds for additional officers’ salaries, it did receive an increase of more than $500,000 for operating expenditures, some of which will go to recruitment costs, according to the DPC.
See the April 26, 2012 edition for full coverage.
{fcomment}