Police Commissioner Unveils Strategy; Confirms Homicides

~~Adz:Right~~ Roadtown, Tortola - In a joint press conference with His Excellency the Governor and the Honourable Premier, the Commissioner of Police Reynell Frazer confirmed the murder of Edread Stoutt and Glen Industrious Jr. which occurred during the early hours of Sunday morning in Josiahs Bay.

The Commissioner noted that his officers had begun linking a number of public and private sources of information both locally and abroad with forensic information and intelligence records. He pointed to the premeditated climate that has surrounded several of the ecent murders and the difficulties worldwide in solving these types of homicides.

 “Detailed investigations such as those we are now conducting must be part of a bigger plan which includes a strategy to minimize the risk of such events occurring and if they do occur, ensure that the Force has the capacity and capability to tackle them,” he noted.

The Commissioner named a number of policing priorities which the Force will focus on in order to improve and strengthen the national security service provided.

Through an initiative which provided for contracting of seven U.K. officers, members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force can get the necessary training to enhance crime-fighting and detection capabilities and to ensure that officers are able to utilize the most modern crime fighting tactics.

The U.K. officers will also provide training and mentoring on murder investigations, crime scene management, maritime policing and convert policing techniques.

He noted that the Force has also begun a restructuring process that will create an organization that will deliver on present and future priorities.

“The new structure will directly link each position and unit within the Force to a specific objective within the strategic plan, thereby holding officers more accountable and responsible for meeting the goals of the Force. We see this move as critical to fulfilling our mandate and critical to getting the best work out of our officers,” he said.

The Commissioner also mentioned the results of the Force’s effort to enhance relations between the Police and community.

“I am pleased to say the despite concerns of Police confidentiality, more and more members of the community are gradually coming forward to assist with information and showing support for our efforts to tackle crime.

“Because of the information from the public, combined with solid police work by officers we were able to make swift arrests…”

Prior to the Commissioner, Governor David Pearey and Premier Ralph O’Neal gave their views of the crime situation and pledged their support to the work of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.