Members of the community are growing increasingly critical of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force with some going as far as to call for Commissioner of Police Mark Collins to step down from leading the RVIPF in the interests of credibility.
At the heart of the force’s newest controversy is an email sent by Police Commissioner Mark Collins that was leaked to the public.
The email, which was sent to two deputy commissioners and a sergeant, suggested that they discard video evidence related to an internal matter.
Collins was informing the officers of an update from his discussions with the Director of Public Prosecutions. He indicated that the matter was discontinued due to “issues with the arrest and process.”
Commissioner Collins went on to say, “I am aware that there may be video footage of the incident which would not have been used in evidence and should be destroyed. To date, this footage has not been in the public domain and it should not be disclosed.”
A screen grab of the email made its way to the public domain less than 48 hours after the email was sent, and quickly spread on social media leading to speculation among residents.
Collins addressed the matter in a recent press conference held by the National Security Council.
Despite the Commissioner’s explanation, many residents remain sceptical of the situation.
Earlier this week, the email was a topic of discussion on the popular local talk show “Talking Points”.
Hosts Violet Thomas-Gaul and Damion Grange were particularly vocal about their concerns on the matter and the way it reflects on the police force.
Recalling the infamous “Police in Paradise” video, another RVIPF Controversy that unfolded under the leadership of Commissioner Collins, Grange shared his view that it may be in the best interest of building credibility that Commissioner Collins step down.
Grange’s sentiments echo those of many BVI residents who feel that controversies in recent years cast a negative cloud over the police force.
One irate local residing abroad voiced his concerns in a widely shared audio recording.
The individual captured in the recording criticized the Commissioner’s response at the recent press conference and questioned the legality of the request made in the email.
