Detective Constable Mr Sean A. McCall who is the Chairman of the Police Welfare Association was on Friday, March 3, 2023, arrested and released without charge.

It is our understanding he is being investigated for ‘Breach of Trust’ because he was allegedly leaking information to the press.

Mr McCall’s police group which is akin to a union, has been reportedly locked in a battle with the Commissioner of Police, Mr Mark Collins over his management of the police force and his alleged violation of the Police Act, on promotion, and discipline within the force.

Scandal after scadal @ RVIPF

The Police Force has also been rocked with division over the UK Police officers and their treatment of locals, where they can allegedly get away with 'anything', however, the local and Caribbean police officers serving in the force are reportedly held to a different standard.

It is alleged that Mr Collins has no regard for the Police Act and the process for police promotion and that he has unleashed some over 30 UK Police Officers who currently harass residents on allegedly trumped-up charges, with no regard for law and order, nor the rights of residents of the VI.

Sources indicated to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) that many police officers are gearing up to bring a class action lawsuit against Mr Collins, however, the details surrounding the upcoming case is still forthcoming, as no legal filings have been made in the local courts as yet.

Mr McCall through the Police Welfare Association has been vocal in fighting internal injustices in the force and many believe that as a result of this fight, he is now being “victimized.”

Sources further indicated that while Constable McCall is still being paid, he has however been relieved of duties pending “continued investigation”. It is alleged that Governor Rankin supports the actions of Mr Collins which is now being viewed as a witch-hunt by those familiar with the situation.

CoI & AG Reports tools for victimization?

Persons also view the use of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) report and recent one-sided Auditor General reports directed by Mr Gary R. Hickinbottom, as further tools to bring legitimacy to the vindictive actions of the local police force, which is within the purview of the Governor.

This comes as Mr Hickinbottom in his biased CoI report also failed to address the police force that has been rocked by scandal after scandal over the years, as this was never a subject when the CoI was first called by embattled ex-Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert.

There are also reports that the nominee by the Police Welfare Association to the Police Service Commission, no longer enjoys the support of the police officers as raised by Mr McCall and his Association, but the Governor and Police Commissioner has refused to act.

Is it victimization?

Mr McCall and his Association had major issues with the recent draft Police bill being pushed by Governor Rankin, and this bill if passed in its proposed form could end up taking away civil and human rights currently enjoyed by residents.

Mr McCall was a part of the police delegation that met with Legislators at an informal meeting where they raised many red flags over the new police bill.

There was also a report made of a huge bill run-up by UK Police Officers at a local company for car rentals, however, a blind eye has been turned on that while there is a focus on local university students who were given financial help by elected Members.

Mr McCall who has given some 22 years of service to the police force could not be reached for comments and it is believed the police have taken his communication devices.

Calls to the Commissioner for Police, Mr Collins for details on the situation surrounding the arrest also proved futile.

Our news center will bring more details as this story develops.

Persons have describe as ongoing effort by the Governor, John J. Rankin and Police Commissioner, MarK Collins as one intending to eliminate anyone fighting for justice and speaking out against corruption in the local Police Force, an alleged local witch-hunt.

Sources indicated to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) that many police officers are gearing up to bring a class action lawsuit against Mr Collins, however, the details surrounding the upcoming case is still forthcoming, as no legal filings have been made in the local courts as yet.