A serving officer from within the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force could eventually rise through the ranks to become Commissioner of Police, Interim Acting Commissioner Richard Ullger has said.
Speaking on the Talking Points radio programme on 14 September, Ullger was responding to a question about whether anyone within the RVIPF had shown the potential to take over as Commissioner.
“There is talent in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. You can’t hide that at all,” he said, noting that he had worked with several gifted officers.
Ullger, however, acknowledged that further development is needed to prepare officers for the force’s highest position.
“There is some development that is required as we move forward,” he said, adding that the force would be in a stronger position with additional support.
He said officers must also take responsibility for preparing themselves for senior leadership roles.
“Hopefully, in the coming years, if our officers continue with their own personal development plans and aim high strategically, there is nothing to say why someone from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force can’t be at the helm of this organisation,” Ullger stated.
The Commissioner’s vacancy was advertised again last week after the previous recruitment process ended without an appointment.
“I am here until the new Commissioner of Police is selected, which I hope will be soon,” Ullger said.
He explained that he accepted the position on the understanding that it would be temporary and has other commitments to which he must return.
Ullger expects the recruitment process to be rigorous and said the successful candidate must be capable of developing the organisation towards 21st-century policing.
Concerns have been raised in recent years over a local from within the RVIPF not being appointed to lead the force.
In May Governor Daniel Pruce announced that he rejected recommendations submitted by the Police Service Commission and ordered a fresh recruitment process. Deputy Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool had emerged as the leading candidate from within the force.
Speaking on the Talking Points radio programme on 14 September, Ullger was responding to a question about whether anyone within the RVIPF had shown the potential to take over as Commissioner.
“There is talent in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. You can’t hide that at all,” he said, noting that he had worked with several gifted officers.
Ullger, however, acknowledged that further development is needed to prepare officers for the force’s highest position.
“There is some development that is required as we move forward,” he said, adding that the force would be in a stronger position with additional support.
He said officers must also take responsibility for preparing themselves for senior leadership roles.
“Hopefully, in the coming years, if our officers continue with their own personal development plans and aim high strategically, there is nothing to say why someone from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force can’t be at the helm of this organisation,” Ullger stated.
The Commissioner’s vacancy was advertised again last week after the previous recruitment process ended without an appointment.
“I am here until the new Commissioner of Police is selected, which I hope will be soon,” Ullger said.
He explained that he accepted the position on the understanding that it would be temporary and has other commitments to which he must return.
Ullger expects the recruitment process to be rigorous and said the successful candidate must be capable of developing the organisation towards 21st-century policing.
Concerns have been raised in recent years over a local from within the RVIPF not being appointed to lead the force.
In May Governor Daniel Pruce announced that he rejected recommendations submitted by the Police Service Commission and ordered a fresh recruitment process. Deputy Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool had emerged as the leading candidate from within the force.
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