Senator Francis Urges VIPD To Move Quickly To Implement Crime Prevention Strategies

Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr. today called on the Virgin Islands Police Department to move quickly as it implements crime prevention strategies needed to curb the occurrence of violent crime across the territory.   He is the Chair of the 31st Legislature’s Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety and Justice.
 
According to Francis, information provided by VIPD Acting Commissioner Delroy Richards at the March 24 meeting of the Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety indicates that the Police Department is working to address violent crime.  Francis is imploring the Police Department to step up its crime fighting measures, which remain critical as more innocent lives are lost to gun violence. “The tragic loss of Mr. Terrance Moorehead reinforces the urgency of implementing strategies to curb gun violence and crime.  Every life lost is one too many,” he said.
 
Francis says that measures such as improved street lighting, surveillance cameras, routine traffic stops and increased police enforcement are proven crime fighting strategies. “In addition to increasing the ranks of our police officers, taking simple yet necessary steps like installing surveillance cameras in high crime areas and improving visibility in our neighborhoods and commercial areas can have a significant impact on overall crime prevention,” he stated.  “All of these visible and tangible measures help to reassure our community that their safety is a priority and that active policing is taking place.”
 
Francis further noted that crime prevention is a high priority for him and his legislative colleagues.  Presently, anti-gang, no loitering and firearm importation measures are going through the legislative process.