Twelve Royal Virgin Islands Police Force officers currently interdicted from duty continue to receive partial salaries, some for up to eight years so far.
This is according to the Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool who made the comments during deliberations before the Standing Finance Committee in 2024.
The suspended officers, primarily sergeants and constables, face various charges including aggravated bodily harm, assault, and breach of trust offences. They receive between half to three-quarters of their regular salaries while interdicted.
According to a report from the Standing Finance Committee, most cases have remained unresolved for three to five years, with one officer’s suspension extending to eight years. Vanterpool said outside lawyers hired by the officers have obtained stays on internal disciplinary proceedings, preventing case resolution.
The issue extends beyond the police force. The Deputy Governor’s Office is currently compiling data on interdicted officers across all public service departments. The report shows 29 total interdicted officers across public services, with 24 facing salary reductions.
Under territorial regulations, officers facing disciplinary or criminal proceedings may be interdicted from their duties while receiving no less than half their salary, as determined by the relevant commission. The lengthy suspensions with pay have drawn criticism from members of the public who question the justice of cases dragging on for multiple years while officers continue receiving substantial portions of their salaries.