The Community Policing Unit of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force partnered with a local business in an effort to give back to the Community.
In collaboration with Bob’s Gas Station, Community Police Officer for the Road Town district, PC Mitchell John, and members of Cohort 6, presented over 20 gas vouchers to motorists during Christmas week. Motorists were randomly and unexpectedly pulled over by the Police once their DMV license sticker appeared up to date at first glance. Once compliant with the signal to pull over, a closer inspection was done. The drivers were cheerfully greeted and informed of the reason why they were pulled over.
Motorists were bewildered once they became aware that they were pulled over for adhering to the Traffic Laws but were equally excited when told that they might qualify to receive a gas voucher compliments of Bob’s Gas Station.
To qualify for one of the complimentary gas vouchers, the following criteria applied:
1. The driver must be the owner of the vehicle.
2. The driver must present their valid BVI Driver’s License.
3. The driver must present an up-to-date Insurance Policy which must also include the driver’s name and vehicle registration plate number.
4. The driver of the vehicle and passenger must have on their seat belts at the time that they were pulled over by the Police Officer.
Commissioner of Police, Mark Collins, very supportive of this initiative, stated “Policing is not all about enforcement, it’s also about working in collaboration to recognize those drivers and riders that continue to abide by the law and Road Traffic Legislation.”
Community Police Officer PC John was happy with the success of the initiative. “The community was not expecting this gesture. Many of the drivers were shocked that they were pulled over, but once they became aware of the reason for the traffic stop, they were very pleased. On behalf of the Commissioner of Police, I would like to thank the Management of Bob’s Gas Station for their partnership with the RVIPF’s Community Policing Unit for the Gas Voucher initiative. The Community Policing Unit looks forward to more partnerships with other organizations, businesses, groups, and individuals within the BVI community as we aim to bridge the gap between the Police and the Community.”