12 RVIPF ranks under investigation for misconduct …as Acting Top COP vows to tackle delinquent ranks in-house amid corruption & misconduct scandals

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI — The Acting Commissioner of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), Jacqueline E. Vanterpool, has reaffirmed her commitment to restoring public trust and ensuring transparency in the force amidst ongoing challenges, including investigations into misconduct by officers.

Speaking to the media on January 15, 2025, Ms. Vanterpool outlined the RVIPF's efforts to address corruption and strengthen professional standards, vowing to tackle delinquent ranks in-house, amid recent corruption and misconduct scandals.

Corruption & complaints

Acknowledging public concerns over recent instances of police being charged for Breach of Trust, Ms Vanterpool spoke to the RVIPF’s commitment to tackling corruption head-on. Following recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry (CoI), she said, the force has revamped its recruitment processes, including conducting thorough background checks, and established a strengthened Professional Standards Unit (PSU). “We have staffed the Professional Standards Unit with a Chief Inspector, an Inspector, a Sergeant, and two Constables; These officers deal primarily with complaints of corruption or those made by the public against police officers. We work around the clock to address these complaints with fairness and transparency.”