Commissioner of Police Reynell Frazer

There has been several concerns raised by the public regarding the issue of trust between members of the force.

“I honestly cannot sit here and give assurance that if some member of the public gives information to a particular officer that he would not deal with it in a certain way and that is why I keep insisting talk with someone with whom you feel comfortable, who you can talk to, who you can trust,” the Commissioner told the media at joint press conference with Premier Ralph T. O’Neal and Governor David Pearey.

He added that there are some people who have very great confidence in some police officers and not so much in others but it is up to the individual.

“But the point I making here is that I am encouraging everyone to talk to somebody. You see something say something to someone you trust,” the Commissioner urged.

He added that is why he insists on screening for persons who have integrity, loyalty and persons who you have great respect.

“We do have processes in place and a disciplinary code and if there is a breach then we can take the matter up against the particular officer, but there must be evidence,” the top cop stated.

According to Governor Pearey, there are plans to gradually introduce a system of local policing to help build trust in the law enforcement officers.

“These would be people who will be fully trusted by the community and that will provide another conduit to which information can reach the police from the members of the public,” he stated.

The Governor said that the public can feel safe in calling 1-800 -744-TIPS, a number which rings in the Miami based British Consular office. Information is then fed back to the VI without the source being named.

“I can vouch for its complete security,” said Governor Pearey.

According to the Commissioner, it is also important for members of the public to know that in cases where they are the only eyewitness, there is no way the police can bring a charge against an accused or even take them before the court.

“I really wanted to dispel the case where you can just come forward and share the information,” the Commissioner alluded.

He noted too that there are certain systems in place to deal with witness protection but it is only activated for high profile cases.

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