Amendments to the Police Act have modernised key areas of law enforcement in the Virgin Islands. Chief Inspector Kenrick Davis has sought to clear the air on recent changes to the Police Act, emphasizing that the amendments bring the Virgin Islands in line with international policing standards while also addressing public concerns about human rights.
Speaking with 284 Media, Davis explained that in 2023 there had been an attempt to pass a comprehensive Police Replacement Act to overhaul all existing laws governing the police force. That proposal, however, was not passed. Instead, legislators opted for amendments to the existing Police Act, focusing on five critical areas.
Among the changes are, recording and storing Statements, Suspect Interviews , Controlled Deliveries, Undercover Operations and Electronic Surveillance.
Davis acknowledged that some members of the public fear these measures could infringe on their rights.
The amendments to the Police Act are seen as a key step in balancing the need for modern investigative tools with the protection of civil liberties in the Virgin Islands.