Twelve Royal Virgin Islands Police Force officers are currently interdicted from duty, primarily for breach of trust offences, Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool revealed Wednesday.
Speaking at a press conference, Vanterpool said the affected officers, mostly sergeants and constables, face charges including aggravated bodily harm, assault, and theft.
Vanterpool also provided a brief insight into how investigations into such matters are carried out.
A recent case involves Police Constable Earlando Baynes, charged with breach of trust after allegedly compromising a planned operation in November 2024.
Detective Chief Inspector Kenrick Davis emphasized that most investigations leading to officer arrests originated from within the force itself. \
The revelations come as the territory implements the Police Amendment Act 2024, designed to strengthen law enforcement accountability.
While acknowledging the serious nature of the misconduct, Davis praised the broader force for its role in identifying and addressing internal issues.