‘Clean the Streets’ Operation

The ‘Clean the Streets’ Operation has seen some four teams of RVIPF officers deployed on Roll and Search as well as on mobile and foot patrols early last week to cover commercial centres and primarily cash-based entities during business hours, a press release from the RVIPF today, February 25, 2021, stated.

It said traffic and drug offenders were the only arrests made so far; however, the teams are providing the needed reassurance to businesses and intelligence support to the officers who work behind the scene.

The RVIPF also said, in continuance of the Joint Task Force working relationship, Customs and Immigration officers will also join in these roll and search operations around the territory to quell the recent rise in firearm-related incidences.

The ‘Clean the Streets’ Operation, according to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), has seen some four teams of RVIPF officers deployed on Roll and Search as well as on mobile and foot patrols early last week to cover commercial centers and primarily cash-based entities during business hours.

Sporadic spells of gun-related violence

Acting Deputy Commissioner Vanterpool said while the VI generally enjoys months where there are no serious incidents, there are always sporadic spells.

“Fortunately we have long periods where gun-related violence is virtually non-existent. Then we have a brief spell where persons, feeling confident and bold after having acquired a firearm, commit robberies for short-term gain. Frequently, the individuals are either caught or simply stop because there is very little long-term profit in such activities,” she explained.

In continuance of the Joint Task Force working relationship, Customs and Immigration officers will also join the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force in these roll and search operations around the territory to quell the recent rise in firearm-related incidences.

Treat firearms like a ‘deadly virus’

Acting DCP Vanterpool noted that firearms become more dangerous when they fall into the hands of the few who are volatile and unstable which likely played a factor in the recent gun-related deaths.

“There are individuals with hot-tempers and impulsive in any number of households within our community. A firearm in that mix is a dangerous thing. The sad thing is, the household knows when there is a weapon in the mix and remains silent. If this mindset does not change, we will continue to have these outbreaks. We have to treat firearms like we would any deadly virus. Get it out of the house and out of circulation as soon as possible,” she said.

“We are asking the public to help us to bring an end to this violence. If you know anyone who has or is carrying an illegal firearm or where one is being hidden, help by calling and pointing us in the right direction. We will do the rest,” Vanterpool added.

Persons with information of persons carrying illegal weapons can call the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339.