Police Commissioner Elton Lewis and the Firearms Bureau of the Virgin Islands Police Department have launched an aggressive initiative to get security companies to comply with licensing regulations. The Department has found that some security have bypassed VIPD registration requirements and are abusing their gun licenses.

Companies and individuals offering armed security services are asked to cease and desist if their firearm license was not issued for that purpose. Security company employees are required to possess firearm licenses for “Business Protection”. Individual possession of a valid firearm license requires proof of gun safety certification. Gun licenses are not transferable.

According to Karen Stout, Supervisor of the St. Croix District Firearms Bureau, abuse of gun licenses endangers the entire community. “A person who may hold a gun license for personal or home protection is not licensed to use that firearm under any other circumstances or outside of the home,” Stout says.

The Firearms Bureau recently played a significant role in the arrest of Carrington G. Etienne, a 21-year-old employee of CAL Security Agency, on charges of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm and Illegal Possession of Ammunition. Mr. Etienne was not licensed to carry a firearm. The gun he carried while performing his duties as a security officer was also not registered to him. The owner of the CAL Security, Carlton Etienne, was also arrested for his role in Aiding and Abetting his employee. “Officer Karen Stout is to be commended for her commitment to ensuring firearm licensing compliance and for her dedicated efforts in keeping illegal firearms off the streets,” says Commissioner Lewis.

Commissioner Lewis urges security company operators to visit the firearms bureau in their respective districts to update their files and review the firearm licensing status of all of their employees. For more information on compliance procedures and licensing requirements, contact Karen Stout at 778-2211 extension 6058 or Athenia Brown, Supervisor of the St. Thomas Firearms Bureau at 774-2211 extension 5519.