The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has issued a statement addressing recent incidents where videos depicting lifeless bodies at accident and crime scenes have circulated on various platforms.
The statement came in response to inquiries from 284 Media following several recent observations of this practice.
The RVIPF expressed deep regret for the “distress and concern these visuals may have caused within the community”.
“We understand the sensitivities surrounding such images and assure the public that effort is consistently made to discourage the recording of such scenes…We urge all members of the community to exercise caution and discretion and sensitivity when sharing or disseminating such content, as it can have a profound impact on the families and loved ones affected”, the statement said.
The RVIPF has also noted instances where members of the public have not complied with instructions from the police at these scenes.
The RVIPF emphasized its commitment to prioritizing life preservation, securing areas, and conducting thorough investigations at incident scenes.
“It is important for the public to recognize the challenging nature of law enforcement work, particularly during critical incidents…Furthermore, we have noted instances where members of the public have not complied with instructions from the police. We want to emphasize the crucial role that cooperation and
compliance play in ensuring the safety of all individuals involved, including the public, law enforcement officers, and emergency responders.”, it said
The RVIPF expressed gratitude for the ongoing support of the community and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and accountability in serving the people of the Virgin Islands.
It reminded that a collaborative effort is required to maintain the safety and well-being of the community while respecting the dignity and privacy of those affected by critical incidents.