Assistant top cop to stay six extra months

Assistant Police Commissioner Pam Trevillion will stay in her position six extra months as part of efforts to ensure stability after the recruitment process for a new commissioner was delayed, acting Governor David Archer Jr. announced last week.

The extension of Ms. Trevillion’s time to next May is part of a police leadership reorganisation designed to facilitate recommendations outlined in a scathing review of the territory’s law enforcement agencies completed this year by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services, Mr. Archer said in a Nov. 20 statement.

His disclosure follows on the heels of Governor Daniel Pruce’s Oct. 31 acknowledgement that he had paused the search for a new commissioner to replace Mark Collins, whose contract ends this month, while the job criteria are revised to better accord with the review’s recommendations.

“The [Royal Virgin Islands Police Force] continues to be steadfast in its work to bring these recommendations to reality, and these organisational changes will bring additional support to the process,” Mr. Archer said last week. “The RVIPF is undergoing a period of change to better meet the evolving needs of the Virgin Islands, and we must ensure that the organisation has the continuity and stability that is necessary at this time.”

‘Significant challenges’

He added that the matter had been handled in accordance with the Constitution.

“The RVIPF is facing significant challenges, but the expertise and professionalism of police officers and their ability to enforce the law, work collaboratively and build trust in the community is the top priority in any recruitment decision,” he said.

The deputy governor added that Ms. Trevillion, who initially was sworn in on Nov. 23, 2022, will play a critical role in implementing the reform recommendations.

“She will also support continuity in the senior leadership team during the recruitment of the new commissioner of police,” he said, adding that the Governor’s Office “will continue to work with acting [Police] Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool and her senior team through this process, providing complete support as they address the operational challenges of crime in the Virgin Islands.”

Mr. Pruce was away last week attending the Joint Ministerial Council in London.