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Suspension of Police Officer Earl L. Rogers, Jr. - St. Thomas, USVI
November 16, 2005

As Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Police Department, I was surprised and dismayed to read in the media of the unfortunate outcome of the situation regarding Police Officer Earl Rogers. I was frankly surprised because a directive was issued on October 13, 2005, ordering the suspension of Police Officer Earl L. Rogers, Jr. and the surrender to the Office of the Territorial Chief of Police all Department issued equipment.

After an extensive inquiry into this situation I learned that my directive of suspension was not forwarded to necessary Division heads of finance, payroll and personnel thereby preventing the suspension of pay from being effected. This administrative misstep was a failure on the part of my Department, more specifically the Internal Affairs Unit.

To correct this misstep, today, and based on my October 13, 2005 Directive, I have taken the following action: Effective November 16, 2005, Police Officer Earl Rogers has been suspended without pay for a period of twenty-five days effective immediately and concluding on December 20, 2005. These actions serve to correct what should have happened previously; I have also taken strong measures to ensure that such breaches of protocol are not repeated.

I have personally confirmed that all of Police Officer Earl L. Rogers, Jr.'s VIPD equipment, including weapons, ammunition and badge were confiscated and placed in safe keeping on August 24, 2005.

Additionally, I have put in place new procedures to provide absolute accountability for accurate and timely communications among the Division heads. The allegations made in court that “back-room deals” or other inappropriate actions were taken by this administration are completely untrue, and only serve to cause a rift between the Department and the public we serve. I want to reassure all members of the Department, the public and particularly the George family, that I do not condone illegal actions, inappropriate comments or any sort of cover-ups in my organization. If such action occurs I will personally take immediate corrective action.

As the head of the Virgin Islands Police Department, the responsibility for any errors by Department personnel ultimately lies with me. I not only accept this responsibility, I have dedicated my career to making the VIPD the best that it can be, and I encourage the public to make me aware of any areas where we can improve, so that I can address them. Thank you.

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