ST. THOMAS – VIPD Commissioner James McCall accepted an invitation to address the League of Women Voters during their first general assembly luncheon under newly elected president Eleanor Cerge Monday, October 15 at Pilgrim Terrace restaurant. “Part of our mission is to use our organization to keep the community’s most vital concerns at the forefront of public discussion, and provide the territory’s leaders with the kind of suggestions and feedback they require to best serve the community.”, said Cerge.

McCall continued to express the importance of reestablishing the community’s confidence and trust in local law enforcement. “We know that as police officers we work for the community. We work for you, but without your active support and assistance we all lose. Protecting every resident and visitor in the Virgin Islands is an awesome responsibility and I am confident that together we will achieve our common goal of a safe and vibrant community.” McCall said.

In response to member concerns about the enforcement of the territory’s gun laws and the desire to see more done to combat gun related crime, Commissioner McCall pointed to the departments successes this year in removing many guns from the territory’s streets. He also highlighted the joint initiative, spearheaded by Governor deJongh, to pool and more effectively utilize local and federal law enforcement resources to target and successfully prosecute those who engage in gun and drug trafficking and violent crime in the Virgin Islands.

Commissioner McCall freely acknowledged concerns about manpower shortages within the police department, and assured members that recruitment efforts are underway at the highest level. “The police department is tapping into the “CSI” generation and letting young people know that a career as a law enforcement officer is a much broader concept than it use to be. We are not just looking for bodies to fill uniforms. We are looking for quality individuals who have the capacity and desire to protect and serve their community.” McCall said.

President Cerge expressed gratitude to Commissioner McCall for taking time to candidly address league members and expressed solidarity with the department’s challenges and the Commissioner’s goal of achieving safety and security for all the territory’s residents.

Notable Attendees:

• Former Senate President Lorraine Berry
• Senator Louis Patrick Hill
• Deputy Chief Melven Venzen