Wednesday, May 13, 2009Calls For USVI Police Commissioner To Resign

Susan MannSenate President Calls For USVI Police Commissioner To Resign

In a written statement released Monday night, newly-seated Senate President Louis Patrick Hill requested that US Virgin Islands Police Commissioner James McCall step down from his position as head of the territory's police force.

“I speak as President of the 28th Legislature, and with full support from Majority Senators Neville James, Craig Barshinger, Carlton Dowe, Wayne James, Sammuel Sanes, Patrick Sprauve and Michael Thurland.

After long, deliberate examination and careful analysis of the recent rise in crime, and the absolute inability to control gun violence, it is with a heavy heart that I call upon the Commissioner of Police to submit his resignation and I urge the Governor to accept it.” Hill said.

“This is a grave situation we find ourselves in and our decision was arrived at after exhaustive discussions with local organizations and community leaders. It is a fact that the US Virgin Islands faces serious problems with crime and it is a fact that the current US Virgin Islands Police Department administration is unable to get control of it.” The statement said there has been an increase in overall criminal activity, as well as gun-related and property crime. Also cited was, “a dramatic increase in open-air gun battles which leaves US Virgin Islanders feeling that our community is not safe.”

Hill mentioned that the Police Commissioner had promised during his confirmation hearing that the community would experience a change in the direction of the police department within the first year, stating that it was evident that he has not been able to meet those goals.

“I believe that Commissioner James McCall is an honest individual and a man of integrity who has had a commendable career in law enforcement. “However, I believe the Police Department of the US Virgin Islands needs to move in a new direction, with new ideas, new initiatives and new programs.

We are calling on all of our police officers to rise to the occasion and to use every ounce of their energy and expertise to help stop this criminal assault on the community. I am also calling on all of our judges to work in concert with the VIPD to ensure that known criminals are not returned to the streets.

We appreciate the efforts of Commissioner McCall and his service to the people of the US Virgin Islands; however, we believe the Commissioner must clear the way for the next generation of leadership for the US Virgin Islands Police Department,” stated Senator Hill.

USVI Police Public Information Officer Melody Rames informed Caribbean Net News at press time that Commissioner McCall is off-island attending the Caribbean Commissioners of Police Conference, and thus was unavailable for comment.

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