"After careful consideration of that recommendation, I’ve concluded, regrettably, that I am unable to accept it,”
United Kingdom-appointed Governor Daniel Pruce has rejected the recommendations submitted by the Police Service Commission (PSC) for the appointment of a new Commissioner of Police for the Virgin Islands.
The Governor also announced that an entirely new recruitment process will now be undertaken to identify a substantive Commissioner of Police for the territory.
“The Police Service Commission submitted last autumn a recommendation in relation to the next permanent Police Commissioner. After careful consideration of that recommendation, I’ve concluded, regrettably, that I am unable to accept it,” Governor Pruce told reporters during a press briefing on Thursday, May 7.
The announcement follows months of public discussion and speculation surrounding the recruitment process, particularly after Deputy Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool emerged as the leading local candidate for the post, having served as Acting Commissioner of Police for over a year before being replaced in the role by the UK retiree Richard Ullger.
Vanterpool, a veteran law enforcement officer with decades of service within the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), has long been viewed by many residents as a strong contender for the territory’s top policing position. She previously made history as the first Virgin Islander woman to be appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police and has served in several senior leadership roles throughout the force, including responsibility for operations, administration, and community policing initiatives.
Her candidacy had attracted widespread public support from residents and commentators who argued that the territory was ready for local leadership at the highest level of the police force.
Decision Not Taken Lightly
At Thursday’s press conference, Governor Pruce stressed that his decision was not taken lightly.
“This was a conclusion that has not been reached lightly, and I sought advice from various sources along the way. Of course, there’s a legitimate public interest in this matter,” he stated.
While declining to provide specific details behind his decision, the Governor maintained that he did not believe there was sufficient basis to approve the recommendation submitted to him.
“And while it would be inappropriate for me to go into detail, I would say that for such an important decision, and such an important public appointment, I didn’t have sufficient evidence base...to enable me to take that decision,” he added.
Governor Pruce said a fresh recruitment exercise will now move forward in keeping with the constitutional process governing the appointment of a Commissioner of Police.
To ensure continuity within the RVIPF, he said, Acting Commissioner of Police Ullger will remain in the post until the new recruitment process is completed.
“In the meantime, while this new recruitment process moves forward, the Interim Acting Commissioner, Mr. Ullger, will remain in post to ensure continuity and stability at the top of the force.”
Governor Pruce also thanked the Police Service Commission, the Office of the Deputy Governor, the Human Resources Department, and the National Security Council for their involvement in the process thus far.
The Governor also announced that an entirely new recruitment process will now be undertaken to identify a substantive Commissioner of Police for the territory.
“The Police Service Commission submitted last autumn a recommendation in relation to the next permanent Police Commissioner. After careful consideration of that recommendation, I’ve concluded, regrettably, that I am unable to accept it,” Governor Pruce told reporters during a press briefing on Thursday, May 7.
The announcement follows months of public discussion and speculation surrounding the recruitment process, particularly after Deputy Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool emerged as the leading local candidate for the post, having served as Acting Commissioner of Police for over a year before being replaced in the role by the UK retiree Richard Ullger.
Vanterpool, a veteran law enforcement officer with decades of service within the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), has long been viewed by many residents as a strong contender for the territory’s top policing position. She previously made history as the first Virgin Islander woman to be appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police and has served in several senior leadership roles throughout the force, including responsibility for operations, administration, and community policing initiatives.
Her candidacy had attracted widespread public support from residents and commentators who argued that the territory was ready for local leadership at the highest level of the police force.
Decision Not Taken Lightly
At Thursday’s press conference, Governor Pruce stressed that his decision was not taken lightly.
“This was a conclusion that has not been reached lightly, and I sought advice from various sources along the way. Of course, there’s a legitimate public interest in this matter,” he stated.
While declining to provide specific details behind his decision, the Governor maintained that he did not believe there was sufficient basis to approve the recommendation submitted to him.
“And while it would be inappropriate for me to go into detail, I would say that for such an important decision, and such an important public appointment, I didn’t have sufficient evidence base...to enable me to take that decision,” he added.
Governor Pruce said a fresh recruitment exercise will now move forward in keeping with the constitutional process governing the appointment of a Commissioner of Police.
To ensure continuity within the RVIPF, he said, Acting Commissioner of Police Ullger will remain in the post until the new recruitment process is completed.
“In the meantime, while this new recruitment process moves forward, the Interim Acting Commissioner, Mr. Ullger, will remain in post to ensure continuity and stability at the top of the force.”
Governor Pruce also thanked the Police Service Commission, the Office of the Deputy Governor, the Human Resources Department, and the National Security Council for their involvement in the process thus far.
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