Governor His Excellency John Rankin announced that the comprehensive review of the British Virgin Islands’ (BVI) law enforcement agencies will begin, following the arrival of His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services to the territory last weekend.
The review will scrutinize the structure, resources, funding, conduct, and standards of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), HM Customs, Immigration, and the Prison Service. The Attorney General’s Chambers, the Director of Public Prosecution’s Office, the Financial Investigation Authority, and the Courts (both Magistrates and High Courts) will also be considered as part of the review insofar as they relate to law enforcement.
The team will assess whether the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and other enforcement agencies possess the necessary facilities and powers to prevent, monitor, and detect crime, and prepare matters for prosecution.
The UK Government has allocated approximately $1 million to contribute towards this effort.
The report will be presented to the Premier and the Governor by the end of March 2024, and published as appropriate thereafter.
Governor John Rankin expressed his expectations for the review, stating, “I believe the outcome of this review will shape our approach to law enforcement over at least the next ten years. I aspire for BVI’s law enforcement agencies and the justice system to be seen as models for the region.”