Officer Found With Spent Shells at Airport
A male Royal Virgin Islands Police Force officer was found with spent shell casings on his person during a security search at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on December 17, 2025. Police have not released full details; Interim Acting Commissioner Richard Ullger said the force’s communications team will provide further information.
A male officer from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) was discovered with spent shell casings on his person during a security search at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (Beef Island) on December 17, 2025, Virgin Islands News Online reports. Police have so far released only limited information about the incident.
Interim Acting Commissioner Richard Ullger told our News Centre on the morning of December 17: "Our comms team will be in contact with you." No further details — including whether a weapon was present, the officer’s assignment, or any immediate disciplinary steps — have been made public.
The discovery has raised questions among residents and travellers about safety and oversight at the territory’s main airport. Airport security searches are routine, and authorities have not said whether the shells were linked to an on-duty activity, an off-duty incident or another explanation.
Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances and determine whether any internal policies or criminal laws were breached. The episode comes amid heightened tensions inside the RVIPF. The force has experienced low morale in recent weeks following the removal of Jacqueline E.
Vanterpool as Acting Commissioner of Police. Ms Vanterpool — the territory’s first female Acting Commissioner and a local candidate recommended for the permanent post by the Police Service Commission (PoSC) — was replaced by Mr Ullger after Governor Daniel Pruce used powers under the constitution to appoint him despite the PoSC recommendation.
Those leadership changes have prompted concern in the community about institutional stability and the force’s direction. The timing of the airport incident has amplified calls from some residents for transparency and a clear, timely account from police leadership. Our newsroom is continuing to pursue details and will update readers as the RVIPF’s communications team provides statements or as official findings from any internal inquiry are released.
Members of the public with information about the incident are encouraged to contact police through established channels. This report is based on initial accounts; BVI Live will follow developments and publish verified information as it becomes available.
Primary source: VINO