U.S. Virgin Islands – Virgin Islands Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea announced today that 37 federal law enforcement officers have recently been commissioned as Virgin Islands Peace Officers. The officers received their commissions after completing the required training on Virgin Islands history and cultural sensitivities, led by UVI Professor Olasee Davis.
In September 2012, the Virgin Islands Legislature enacted Title 23, Virgin Islands Code, Section 3, to grant authority to the Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) to issue commissions as Virgin Islands Peace Officers to certain federal law enforcement officers. The Legislature provided that law enforcement officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) may be commissioned as Virgin Islands Peace Officers. The commissioned Peace Officers consist of two from the FBI, five from the DEA, twelve from HSI, ten from CBP, and eight from the U.S. Marshals Service.
Following the passage of the law, the United States Attorney’s Office, the Virgin Islands Attorney General’s Office, and the Virgin Islands Police Department entered into a Memorandum of Understanding that outlines the procedures for issuing and revoking commissions. A federal law enforcement officer who is granted a commission is recognized and authorized to act as a Virgin Islands Peace Officer with the power to make arrests for violations of Virgin Islands laws. Any federal law enforcement officer granted a commission may use any reasonable force that the officer reasonably believes to be necessary to defend himself or another person from bodily harm, while making a lawful arrest. In addition, reasonable force may also be used, when necessary, to arrest any felon fleeing from justice when the officer reasonably believes either that the fleeing felon poses a threat of death or serious physical harm to the officer or others, or that the fleeing felon has committed a crime involving the infliction or threatened infliction of serious physical harm to another person.
Attorney General Rhea stated, “This commissioning marks an important step in strengthening the collaboration between federal and local law enforcement. It ensures that all officers are equipped to enforce the law while honoring the unique cultural sensitivities of the Virgin Islands. These officers will be instrumental in safeguarding the safety and security of our community.” United States Attorney Delia Smith stated, “Collaboration between federal and local law enforcement is essential in the fight against crime. By granting federal officers the authority to serve as Virgin Islands Peace Officers, we are enhancing our law enforcement capacity and improving our ability to address criminal activity across jurisdictions. This partnership underscores our commitment to safeguarding the people of the Virgin Islands.”
Professor Davis is an author, educator, cultural historian, and environmental activist with extensive expertise in Virgin Islands history and agriculture. His training was focused on enhancing the officers’ understanding of the Territory’s rich cultural heritage, historical background, and the distinctive customs and traditions of the local community. This knowledge equips law enforcement officers to build trust, foster positive relationships with the community, and engage in interactions with sensitivity and respect for the diverse and vibrant culture of the Virgin Islands. Prior to the presentation, opening remarks were delivered by Attorney General Rhea and VIPD Assistant Commissioner Sidney Elskoe.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2024
Sandra Goomansingh
Media Relations Director
(340) 774-5666 ext. 10105
Email: sandra.goomansingh@doj.vi.gov