FREDERIKSTED — The VIPD’s Police Operations and Administrative Services building in Mars Hill closed at 3:40 p.m. Wednesday due to “electrical issues,” a prepared statement said.
The electrical issues created a potentially hazardous condition for employees in the building, and the decision was made to evacuate all the employees, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.
The Virgin Islands Fire Service was called to assist, and Fire personnel swept the building and gave the all clear to re-enter. However, the electrical issues affected climate control (air quality), and the communications systems.
“A decision was made to send all non-essential personnel home. Sworn personnel were temporarily relocated; however, they were able to return to the zone for duty until further notice,” VIPD spokesman Toby Derima said.
VIPD consumer services (Records Bureau, Firearms Bureau, Permits, Police Pavilion rental, etc.) are closed today. VIPD Personnel who work in the Mars Hill location are asked to check with your supervisor before reporting to work but be prepared to report on Friday. Our contracted electrician is presently on the premises to assess the situation and hopefully start repairs. We hope to have consumer services open on Friday.
“The electrical issues that caused VIPD officials to evacuate the Police Operations & Administrative Services offices in Mars Hill, Frederiksted were resolved Thursday,” Derima said at 10:21 p.m. on Thursday.
As a result, VIPD consumer services (Records Bureau, Firearms Bureau, Permits, Police Pavilion rental, etc.) will open on Friday at 8 a.m.
“All department employees are expected to report to work as usual,” he said. “We thank affected customers for their understanding.”