About Us
Geography
The British Virgin Islands are adjacent to the US Virgin Islands (USVI) and 60 miles east of Puerto Rico.
The BVI comprises over 40 islands, islets and cays (some little more than rocks) with a total land area of only 59 sq miles scattered over some 1,330 sq miles of sea.
Sixteen of the islands are inhabited, the largest being Tortola (21 sq miles), Anegada (15 sq miles), Virgin Gorda (8 sq miles) and Jost van Dyke (3.4 sq miles). Lush vegetation, sandy beaches, numerous yachting marinas and fine coral reefs make the islands a natural tourist destination.
Constitutional Status
The present Constitution came into force on 15 June 2007. The BVI is a British Overseas Territory with a large measure of internal self-government. The Governor has direct responsibility for external affairs, defence and internal security (including the Police), the Public Service and the administration of the courts. The Constitution provides for a ministerial system of government. The Governor is the head of the Government, and Premier, a locally elected politician, is appointed by the Governor. The position of Premier replaced that of Chief Minister under the new constitution. The House of Assembly comprises 13 elected members plus the Attorney General and the Speaker. Nine members are elected to represent one district each, and the remaining four by territory-wide vote. The Premier and the four other Ministers must be elected members of the House of Assembly.
History
The history of the BVI Police Force stretches back to the end of the 19th Century when the British Virgin Islands became a member of the Leeward Islands Police Force. Also included were Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts, Nevis an Anguilla, with most of the administration being handled at Force Headquarters in Antigua. Because police officers could be called in if their presence ever proved necessary, only the barest minimum of staff were stationed in the BVI.
These police officers were ably assisted in their task of Law Enforcement by a cadre of loyal and committed local constables. These local constables were based in the various districts and provided a strong and invaluable service to the community. They were selected on the basis of character, knowledge and influence within the particular district. Several of these local constables receivedmedals for outstanding work.
Because of constitutional changes in some of the member countries in 1960, the Leeward Islands Police Force was dissolved and split up, and a new regional organization, the Antigua, Montserrat and Virgin Islands Police Force was formed. Although the force possessed a new name little was changed. Headquarters remained in Antigua and the resident Police Force remained small. Only since 1967 have the Royal Virgin Islands
Police Force been a separate entity. After Antigua gained associated statehood with Britain, the regional Police Force split up again, leaving the BVI Police Force on its own. NB. Article adopted from 1991 Police Week Magazine: “Overview of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force” by then Deputy Commissioner Mr. V.E. Malone
Structure and Operational Strength
The force structure comprises of three Operational Policing Divisions supported by a Business Support Division (this provides professional Financial, HR, IT, Estates, Marketing/ Publicity and Statistical services).
Spread across this structure, the force has an established strength (in 2008) of 223 Police Officers. In addition the force has an authorised establishment of 19 auxiliary officers who undertake traffic control, traffic enforcement and school patrolling activities.
The force is supported by over 50 police staff.
Graphical Representation of Structure:
