RVIPF TO CLAMP DOWN ON NOISE DISTURBANCES

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is preparing to commence a formal clamp down on offences related to disturbing the community by persons who have equipped their vehicles with loudspeakers. 

Commissioner of Police Mark Collins made that reveal as he responded to questions before the Standing Finance Committee. 

According to the Report on the Deliberations of the Standing Finance Committee, Collins was told by Minister for Health and Social Development and Member for the Eighth District Honourable Marlon Penn that the issue of loud car speakers needed to be addressed. 

In response, the CoP revealed that he had already begun discussions with the Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecution on this matter.

Through those discussions it was realised that to prove a case against an alleged offender, the police must be able to provide evidence of decibels recorded. To this end, the CoP said that a kit required to conduct such measurements has been obtained and that officers will require training on how to use it. 

The issue of disturbances caused by altered mufflers on bikes and scooters was highlighted by Territorial at Large Member Hon. Carvin Malone. 

The CoP informed that since he assumed the role of Commissioner that there has been significant improvement made with matters requiring the seizing bikes. 

He further explained that bikes are usually seized for being unlicensed, uninsured or faulty. He noted that persons are given the opportunity to present the unnecessary documentation to reclaim their bike from the relevant Police Station. He said that bikes, which are deemed not road worthy, are crushed or stripped for parts while others are auctioned.