USVI Public Records

Document text

Government of The Virgin Islands of the United States VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF THE POLICE COMMISSIONER MARIO M. BROOKS Police Commissioner _______________________________________________________________________________ Facsimile: (340) 715-5517 St. Thomas (340) 778-2373 St. Croix (340) 776-6236 St. John ALEXANDER A. FARRELLY JUSTICE CENTER CHARLOTTE AMALIE ST. THOMAS, V.I. 00802 (340) 774-2211 POLICE ADMINISTRATION No. 9059 ESTATE CASTLE COAKLEY CHRISTIANSTED ST. CROIX, V.I. 00820 (340) 778-2211 LEANDER JURGEN COMMAND CRUZ BAY ST. JOHN, V.I. 00830 (340) 693-8880 June 3, 2026 The Honorable Clifford A. Joseph, Sr. Chairman Committee on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands Dear Chairman Joseph: I hope this letter finds you well. On behalf of the Virgin Islands Police Department, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your continued support of the Virgin Islands Police Department and your unwavering commitment to public safety throughout the Virgin Islands. I am writing to respectfully request an excused absence from the upcoming meeting of the Committee on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety scheduled for Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. in the Frits E. Lawaetz Conference Room on St. Croix. Unfortunately, the scheduled hearing directly coincides with the 3rd Annual National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) International Summer Training Seminar, which is being hosted here in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Virgin Islands Police Department is privileged to serve as host for this prestigious event, which represents a significant gathering of law enforcement executives, policymakers, public safety professionals, and technology innovators from across the United States, the Caribbean, and the global diaspora. This year's theme, "Justice Without Borders: Global Practices Protecting the Vulnerable," focuses on strengthening regional and international collaboration to address emerging public safety challenges, including transnational criminal organizations, human trafficking, cybercrime, violent crime reduction, and the protection of vulnerable populations. Given the importance of these discussions and their direct relevance to the public safety challenges facing our Territory, our participation in the summit is critical to advancing initiatives that will enhance law enforcement effectiveness and public safety throughout the Virgin Islands. We have submitted invitations to each member of the 36th Legislature and I highly encourage each of you to take advantage of this unique opportunity to participate in portions of the seminar and engage with national and international subject matter experts who are focused on innovative strategies to combat transnational crime, leverage emerging technologies, and strengthen public safety partnerships. While the leadership of the department are unable to attend the hearing and based on your request we would like to provide a brief update regarding the current status and ongoing initiatives of the Virgin Islands Police Department. With respect to the Federal Consent Decree, the Department has achieved substantial compliance across all of the required areas. This milestone reflects years of dedicated effort by our officers, civilian personnel, supervisors, and executive leadership to strengthen accountability, professionalism, policy development, Letter to Senator Clifford Joseph Re: Committee Meeting on June 4, 2026 June 3, 2026 training, and constitutional policing practices. Although work remains, we are highly encouraged and motivated by the progress made and remain committed to sustaining these improvements throughout this monitoring period and finally achieving full compliance. Operationally, the Department has continued to refine its enforcement and investigative strategies through intelligence-led and data-driven policing. Our focus remains on reducing violent crime, combating illegal firearms trafficking, disrupting narcotics operations, identifying repeat offenders, and addressing organized criminal activity. We have also expanded our use of technology and analytical tools to improve operational effectiveness and investigative outcomes. Like many law enforcement agencies throughout the nation, the Virgin Islands Police Department has experienced staffing challenges resulting from retirements, resignations, and other personnel losses. These reductions have impacted patrol operations and staffing levels across the Territory. In response, the Department has adjusted patrol schedules, strategically redeployed resources, and incorporated technology as a force multiplier. Through enhanced surveillance capabilities, drone operations, automated license plate readers, and data-driven deployment strategies, we have been able to mitigate staffing shortages while maintaining critical public safety services. Significant progress has also been achieved through the Territory-wide camera initiative. Phases I and II of the project have been completed, resulting in expanded surveillance coverage throughout strategic locations across the Virgin Islands. Additionally, the Department continues to evaluate the effectiveness of the Flock Safety camera system through an ongoing pilot program. Early results have demonstrated promising investigative value, particularly in identifying suspect vehicles, supporting criminal investigations, and enhancing situational awareness for responding officers. We have recently launched our Real Time Intelligence Centers in both districts. They will serve as the hub for all of our technological intelligence and investigative support going forward. The Department also continues to implement proactive public safety initiatives designed to improve roadway safety and deter criminal activity. One such effort is the national "Click It or Ticket" campaign, which focuses on seatbelt compliance and traffic safety enforcement. While primarily aimed at reducing traffic fatalities and injuries, these enforcement activities frequently result in the identification of other moving violations, impaired driving offenses, illegal firearms possession, outstanding warrants, and additional criminal activity. As a result, traffic enforcement remains an important component of our broader public safety and crime reduction strategy. The Virgin Islands Police Department remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing public safety, strengthening community trust, and delivering professional, accountable, and effective law enforcement services to the residents and visitors of the Virgin Islands. Thank you for your consideration and understanding regarding this scheduling conflict. I look forward to continuing our productive partnership with the Legislature and engaging in future discussions concerning the safety and security of our Territory. Respectfully, Mario M. Brooks Police Commissioner