TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands – Governor of the British Virgin Islands, Daniel Pruce has terminated the recruitment process for a new Commissioner of Police (CoP) who was initially set to take office on November 30.
Governor Daniel PruceThe recruitment, which began earlier this year, was intended to ensure continuity at the end of current Commissioner Mark Collins’ term, but changing requirements have made a temporary leadership gap inevitable.
“The security challenges facing the Virgin Islands are becoming more complex,” Pruce said in a statement earlier this week.
He referenced the first volume of a law enforcement review by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Service, which included 138 recommendations, many directed toward the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF).
Although the RVIPF has made progress, he added, much work remains.
“The assessments of volumes one and two show that the qualities we need in that new Commissioner are different to those we sought when we launched the recruitment process earlier this year,” Pruce said. “Consequently, I am terminating the current recruitment process so that we can redefine the skills and experience required and advertise again.”
During this interim period, senior leadership within the RVIPF will be relied upon to support the organization.
Pruce also noted that while current candidates are not disqualified, they will need to reapply under the new criteria.
“I have a constitutional duty to ensure I do my utmost to deliver security for the Islands,” Pruce stated. “Ensuring we have the right person to lead the RVIPF through the challenges the police face is crucial to that.”
This development follows information suggesting that a high-ranking police officer is currently the subject of an internal investigation.
