Dire Conditions at St. John Police Station Prompt Urgent Calls for Action

A concerned resident of St. John has sounded the alarm over conditions at the lone police station on the Island. Patrick Hanley spoke to lawmakers during a meeting of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety convened to discuss public safety concerns – the second in three months on the issue.

Mr. Hanley said that VIPD officers stationed at the Leander Jurgen Command police station are “working in deplorable conditions,” and drew a stark contrast between the Cleone H. Creque Legislative Conference Room – “this beautiful Senate building” – and the police station right next door. “It’s a shame, and blatant disrespect for us to treat our protectors in such a disgraceful manner,” Mr. Hanley contended.

While VIPD Commissioner Ray Martinez agreed with Mr. Hanley that police officers deserve better conditions, he was unable to provide lawmakers with a definitive timelines for the rehabilitation or retrofitting of the Leander Jurgen Command Police Station. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has appropriated funds to upgrade the police station, Mr. Martinez noted, but before any work can begin, the VIPD must first secure a temporary location from which to operate.