Hunt Resumes For New RVIPF Commissioner As
The Government has officially re-advertised the post of Commissioner of Police following Governor Daniel Pruce's rejection of the Police Service Commission's earlier recommendation. Interim Acting Commissioner Richard Ullger has voiced optimism about internal talent, stating that local officers can eventually reach the top post with continued development.
The search for a substantive Commissioner of Police has officially resumed, months after Governor Daniel Pruce rejected the Police Service Commission's recommendation to appoint BVIslander Jacqueline Vanterpool to lead the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). The Government has re-advertised the top executive post, inviting applications from both internal and external candidates through an application deadline of October 12, 2026.
The role offers a three-year renewable contract with an annual salary of $129,130, alongside an executive compensation package that includes housing, entertainment, and telecommunications allowances, an assigned government vehicle, security, and a gratuity. The successful applicant will report directly to the Governor and will be tasked with providing strategic leadership, strengthening public confidence, improving operational performance, and promoting accountability and innovation across the force.
The renewed recruitment drive follows Governor Pruce's decision in May to order an entirely fresh selection process. The Police Service Commission had submitted a recommendation the previous autumn, but Pruce announced he was unable to accept it after careful consideration, reverting Vanterpool to her substantive post as Deputy Commissioner.
That decision sparked intense community debate, with some arguing the Governor breached constitutional conventions by setting aside the Commission's recommendation, while others defended the decision in favor of an open, competitive search. Vanterpool, who previously served as Acting Commissioner for over a year, made history as the first Virgin Islander woman appointed Deputy Commissioner.
Interim Acting Commissioner Richard Ullger will continue overseeing the force until a permanent commissioner is appointed. Speaking on the Talking Points radio programme on Monday, September 14, Ullger addressed public debate regarding local leadership within the ranks, expressing confidence that serving RVIPF officers have the capacity to lead the organisation in the future.
Ullger praised the personnel currently serving across the territory, emphasizing that the force does not lack potential. "There is talent in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. You can't hide that at all," Ullger said, noting that he has worked with several "gifted" officers. However, he stressed that further professional growth remains necessary before a local officer takes charge. "There is some development that is required as we move forward," he said, explaining that the organisation would benefit from targeted support.
Ullger urged officers to take personal ownership of their career progression, suggesting that structured personal development plans and ambitious strategic goals will pave the way for local leadership in the coming years. Reiterating that his tenure remains strictly temporary, Ullger said he expects a rigorous recruitment process and hopes the appointment will conclude swiftly to guide the force toward modern, 21st-century policing standards.
Primary source: BVI Platinum