The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to community policing with the official relaunch of the Community Policing Unit (CPU), announced on Monday 17th November by Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool.
For decades, community policing has been a defining hallmark of the RVIPF, anchored in the belief that strong police-community partnerships are essential to effective service. Since 2012, this philosophy has been formally embedded within the Force’s strategic priorities to guide its policing approach.
Despite its historical success, community policing experienced a decline in momentum in recent years. Acting Commissioner Vanterpool noted that rebuilding public trust and strengthening relationships with residents requires a deliberate return to genuine citizen-centred engagement.
She emphasized that the RVIPF cannot deliver truly effective service without strong, trust-based relationships with the public.
In her first 100 days as Acting Commissioner, Vanterpool made it one of her primary objectives to restore and reinforce this policing model, underscoring that every officer must embrace the principles of community policing.
This renewed focus drove the launch of a robust training programme beginning on 11 August 2025, delivered over six weeks by Officium Training Limited of Trinidad & Tobago. A total of 112 officers were trained, including 22 officers who successfully completed the Train-the-Trainer component. These trainers are now fully equipped to support the CPU’s mandate and help lead the effort to regain the public’s trust and confidence.Today marks the official relaunch of the Community Policing Unit, strengthened by a dedicated team that will lead community engagement efforts across the Territory.
Core Members of the Community Policing Unit:
1. Ag. Insp. Sherryann Lavia-Lennon
2. Sgt. Sean McCall
3. PC Zamfir Adams
4. WPC Reba Rogers
5. WPC Natoya Marks
6. WPC Dannaiff Charles
7. PC Mandel Jimmy
8. PC Larry Larocque
9. WPC Kejahana Stephens Mandate of the Community Policing Unit.
The CPU will focus on:
1. Strengthening relationships within communities;
2. Collaboratively addressing local concerns; and
3. Ensuring policing strategies reflect the needs and priorities of residents.
Acting Commissioner Vanterpool emphasized that supporting the CPU is a collective responsibility shared across the organisation.
“Every officer, regardless of assignment, has a role to play,” she stated. “Our success depends on teamwork, communication, professionalism, and empathy. Community policing is not merely a unit, it is a philosophy.”
She encouraged all officers to apply the principles learned in training and to continue strengthening partnerships throughout the Territory.
The newly relaunched Community Policing Unit will officially take up duties on Monday, 24 November 2025.