Acting Police Commissioner Jacquline Vanterpool deflected questions about potential resource shortages within the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force during a recent press conference while acknowledging such concerns might have merit.
Vanterpool noted that the matter would require further conversation.
Vanterpool emphasized that the force is maximizing its effectiveness with available resources, as revealed in discussions surrounding the territory’s 2025 budget deliberations. The force currently maintains a staff of 379, including auxiliary officers.CLIP
The staffing situation came under scrutiny when Second District Representative Melvin M. Turnbull questioned the force’s inconsistent retirement practices during budget discussions. Turnbull highlighted disparities in retirement enforcement, noting some officers are retained beyond retirement age while others face mandatory retirement.
Vanterpool explained that recent amendments to the Retirement Age Act allowed selective extensions beyond the standard retirement age of 55, with decisions based primarily on performance evaluations. She acknowledged that the current police policy lacks clear guidelines for addressing non-performance issues, prompting a policy review.