David Morris, Acting Commissioner of Police
Photo Credit: BVI Platinum News
David Morris, Acting Commissioner of Police
Photo Credit: BVI Platinum News
When he first came to the Territory in 2010, Mr. David Morris, Acting Commissioner of Police promised to get rid of all the 'bad apples' operating in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). In less than two months, three police officers have been interdicted from the already short staffed force.
When contacted yesterday, January 24, Police Information Officer Diane Drayton confirmed that another officer was recently interdicted and the circumstances for which he has been interdicted are being investigated.
Drayton said the force cannot name the officer at this juncture since he has not been charged.
BVI Platinum News understands that the interdiction came due to an ongoing investigation relating to a private company operated by the officer.
In late November, Acting Commissioner Morris interdicted two officers and according to information, those officers are yet to have any charges brought against them. BVI Platinum News understands that those officers were interdicted for allegedly using excessive force on a teenager.
Following the interdiction in November, the Police Information Office stated that in carrying out the interdiction, the Acting Commissioner noted that when an officer is being prosecuted for a criminal matter, then consideration must always be given as to whether that officer should be interdicted from duty until court proceedings are completed.
"In this case, based on the advice of the Police Service Commission and the decision of the Governor, the Acting Commissioner interdicted the officers until court proceedings are completed," the Police Information Office stated.
In all cases, the Police Information Office stated that accusations of misconduct by any officer of the force are taken very seriously.
You are quite right to get rid of those bad apples because they are festering the minds of the so good cops that is still around. All policeman must remember that the force has an image that must be slate clean to the public.