CHARLOTTE AMALIE – The Virgin Islands Police Department’s Training Academy has begun new law enforcement recruit classes on St. Thomas and St. Croix.
The classes started on January 13. In the St. Thomas/St. John District, there are 17 recruits in the VIPD Training Academy.
In that class there are 13 VIPD recruits, two employed by the Superior Court, one by the Virgin Islands Legislature and one by the VI Port Authority. There are 23 recruits in the St. Croix class.
At least 11 are employed by the VIPD, four by the Superior Court, three by the Juan F. Luis Hospital, three by the Office of the Governor, one by the Virgin Islands Legislature and one by the Department of Health.
During the six-month course, recruits will be trained on report writing, forensic science, constitutional law, and other relevant law enforcement topics.
“Recruit training is a critical step in the law enforcement career of peace officers,” VIPD Captain Maria Colon, the Training Bureau Officer-in Charge, said. “We conduct a rigorous training that focuses on academics, physical and firearms. Our program is compatible to the mainland and POST certification is granted once all requirements are met.”
Part of the pre-screening for all recruits was a physical agility test, a psychological exam.
“The Virgin Islands community needs the very best people to become police officers,” Police Commissioner Trevor Velinor said. “Policing is a noble profession that emphasizes service to others. I look forward to witnessing the transformation of these 40 men and women, as they become equipped with knowledge and skills to protect and serve our community.”