The VI Department of Justice announced that it recently appointed 37 federal law enforcement officers as peace officers in the Virgin Islands, marking a significant improvement in federal and local law enforcement cooperation.
Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea announced the commissioning Tuesday, noting that each officer has undergone specialized training on the history and cultural sensitivities of the Virgin Islands, led by Professor Olasee Davis of the University of the Virgin Islands.
This new wave of peace officers includes personnel from several key federal agencies: the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), US Marshals Service (USMS), and US Homeland Security. Investigations (HSI). Specifically, the group consists of two FBI agents, five DEA agents, twelve HSI agents, ten CBP officers and eight U.S. Marshals.
According to the VI DOJ, the authority to appoint federal law enforcement officers as Virgin Islands peace officers was created under Title 23, Virgin Islands Code, Section 3, which was passed by the Virgin Islands Legislature in September 2012. This legislation authorizes the VI Commissioner of Police to give federal officers the power to act as local peace officers, with the ability to enforce Virgin Islands law, including making arrests when necessary.
Mr. Rhea emphasized the value of this assignment for both security and community relations. “This assignment marks an important step in strengthening cooperation between federal and local law enforcement,” he explained. “It ensures that all officers are equipped to enforce the law while respecting the unique cultural sensitivities of the Virgin Islands.”
United States Attorney Delia Smith added, “By empowering federal officers to serve as peace officers in the Virgin Islands, we are increasing our law enforcement capacity and improving our ability to address criminal activity in various jurisdictions.”
The VI DOJH said a Memorandum of Understanding between the Virgin Islands Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the VIPD outlines protocols for the issuance and revocation of commissions. Peace officers are authorized to use reasonable force when defending themselves or others from harm and may apprehend fleeing criminals under circumstances that pose a risk to public safety.
Professor Olasee Davis’ training program was designed to deepen officers’ understanding of the rich history and cultural nuances of the Virgin Islands so they could interact with the local community in a respectful and effective manner. Professor Davis, a noted historian and environmentalist, emphasized the importance of cultural awareness in law enforcement, promoting trust and strengthening community relationships.
The opening remarks for the dedication were delivered by Attorney General Rhea and VIPD Deputy Commissioner Sidney Elskoe, who commended the officers for their commitment to both Virgin Islands and federal responsibilities. Through this partnership, federal and local law enforcement agencies strive to create a safer environment for residents, demonstrating a shared commitment to both justice and the Virgin Islands’ unique heritage.