Statement by Police Commissioner Novelle E. Francis, Jr.
at a Press Conference on Public Safety

Good Afternoon, I am Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Commissioner of Police. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the Policing Initiatives, of the Virgin Island Police Department and the deJongh Administration, relative to Tourist and Cruise Ship Passenger Safety. First, I would like to emphasize that the issues of crime and criminality in the territory is of paramount importance and it is our mission to ensure the safety and security of these islands for everyone -- residents and visitors alike. The Governor has tasked my department with increasing its efforts to provide the requisite level of protection to this community, as well as to curb the tide of violent crimes that we are experiencing. Please be assured that the VIPD is committed to using every comprehensive measure available to address crime and restore order. 

Last week, in the Coki Beach vicinity, a young tourist was killed by a stray bullet from an exchange of gunfire as a result of an act of vigilantism. A local resident, Shaheel Joseph, was also fatally wounded during this incident. The perpetrators were attending a burial at the nearby Coki Point Cemetery. Unfortunately, the police cannot predict, nor can we prevent, all acts of violence. But what we can do, and pledge to continue to do, is act swiftly to investigate, apprehend, and prosecute the perpetrators of crimes in our community. 

In the Coki Point shooting, one of the suspects has already been arrested and the investigation into the matter continues. The shooting and death of Liz Marie Chaparro Perez has focused light upon the particular issue of the “safety of our islands for tourists” and other visitors. To address this safety concern, and taking recent developments and intelligence into consideration, the VIPD has supplemented its Tourist Safety Operational Plan. The main components of the Plan include deployment of the Special Operations Team, enhanced police patrol, and targeted camera surveillance. 

• Tourist attractions will see an increase in patrol activity, to include foot, bike, and scooter patrols throughout town and destination areas; 
• All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) will be deployed to enhance our mobility on beach, and secluded area, patrols;
• The K-9 Unit will be utilized to supplement and target patrol activities.
• The Special Operations Team has been reorganized and will handle unique security needs for specific occasions and locales;
• Personnel from all areas of the Police Department, including the Commissioner’s office, will be utilized in special initiatives;
• Law Enforcement Officers from other governmental agencies are being used in special initiatives to supplement the VIPD manpower;
• Traffic enforcement will also be enhanced to promote the orderly flow of traffic and alleviate congestion, to include staging areas for safaris and taxis;
• We have recently upgraded our existing surveillance cameras and are in the process of securing additional cameras for areas frequented by tourists; and,
• We are assessing the installation of environmentally-sensitive lighting in beach and nesting areas.

It is important to note that the number and the rate of arrests in our territory, has steadily increased over the past three (3) years. There has also been a marked decrease in all of the Part One Offenses, with the exception of Murder; so the record indicates that Assaults, Robberies, Burglary, and Automobile Thefts are all on the decline. With regards to incidences of Murder, our current solvability ratio is at 65 per cent and our record indicates that most of these murders were retaliatory or in the commission of a crime of robbery or Domestic Violence. As we move forward in this Challenge, the VIPD will continue to partner with other local and federal law enforcement agencies to expand our efforts and broaden our reach. With quick arrests, proper convictions, and strong sentencing many individuals bent on criminal activity are deterred. The Virgin Islands Police Department will be diligent in our pursuit to protect every person within our borders and I want to state clearly that we will make these streets safe for our residents and this will transcend to safety for our tourist and visitors alike.

Thank you for your continued vigilance and cooperation. I will entertain questions at the appropriate time.

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