In a recent press release, the Bush administration’s 2007 budget cut more than $1.1 billion, yes, billion dollars from core local law enforcement programs. Policing, good effective policing, safety, security and protection is a big investment.

The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), condemned President Bush’s budget cuts as “devastating for local law enforcement agencies”, warning that these cuts could lead to increases in crime and less secure communities.”

Mary Ann Viverette, Chief of the Gaithersburg, Maryland Police Department and president of the IACP said that “these cuts have the potential to cripple the capabilities of law enforcement agencies nationwide and will undoubtedly force many departments to take officers off the streets, leading to more crime and violence in our hometowns and ultimately less security for our homeland”.

This is even more devastating for us here in the Virgin Islands, where we are continuing to struggle with the already small percentage of dollars received through a variety of law enforcement grants. Some of the programs include the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program, the Justice Assistance Grant (JAG), and the Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program (LETPP) with the text of Homeland Security. The Bush Administration cut funding for COPS program by 78% (a reduction of 376 million dollars, and cut or all- together eliminate others. Not good for law enforcement, not good for the citizens of the Virgin Islands. All of these programs have greatly improved the way we do policing.

Even before these proposed funding cuts, Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) struggled to maintain critical anti-crime programs that play a vital role in our ability to keep this community safe from crime and violence. From the day I took this position I continue to hear that we need more police, better equipment, more training, exchange programs, a broader and more effective recruiting program with greater incentives and more up to date technology. As a Chief Executive of this organization I can only share with you that we are no different than any corporation or organization. In order to meet the needs of our shareholders, our stakeholders we must make the necessary investment to realize the expected return of better protection and higher security.

In the coming months we will continue to do everything possible to ensure that our elected officials understand the needs of law enforcement in the territory and how vital appropriate funding is for meeting the challenges and changes that face us. My hope is that all of you will get the message and spread the word to your friends, family and most of all to your legislative representatives. Make safety, protection, crime prevention and security one of your top community priorities. Nothing will be achieved without you. Everything will be achieved with you. Your voice is powerful and it is needed.

The VIPD is a unique agency, an agency of power, our citizens rely upon the department to protect them, and the rank and file relies on its leadership and on our elected government officials for resources. The VIPD is beginning to experience greater success in all the areas of policing from morale, ethics, performance and community service.

This is not the time to reduce funding. It is the exact time to increase funding. I do hope with all my heart, all my soul, knowledge, commitment, loyalty and dedication that our Government will listen and take action on behalf of you, your family and the future of our great Territory.

Again, the effect of budget cuts in an area as critical as ours is likely to reduce service when this is the exact time when the opposite is what is needed. Cuts at the level of President Bush’s recommendation will have a significant impact on service delivery and performance. Policing is a partnership and your partnership has been integral into what we have been able to achieve. Let’s not allow budget cuts cripple what we have all worked so hard for and accomplished together.