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SENATORS UPDATED ON GUN VIOLENCE AND THE 9-1-1 OPERATING SYSTEM

by Daniel E. Ottley
written by Daniel E. Ottley

St. Thomas- Members of the Committee on Homeland Security, Justice, Public Safety, and Veterans Affairs chaired by Sen. Steven Payne, Sr. convened in a meeting at the Capitol Building and received testimony on the rise of gun violence and the status of the protocols and proceduresimplemented to curtail crime in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Furthermore, lawmakers were updated on the 9–1–1 Operating System and the process of data collection. Invited testifiers are officials from the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) and the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA).

Presently, VIPD is strategically combating gun violence to reduce crime through partnerships with both Federal and local enforcement agencies; according to the VIPD Commissioner Trevor Velinor. The Federal and multi-agency law enforcement agencies have rendered significant progress for VIPD. For example, Velinor indicated that due to the efforts of VIPD, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, Federal agencies, and ATF, illegal firearms transported through luggage were confiscated at both airports in the Territory. The Criminal Investigations Bureau arrested suspects charged with felonies within the first 48 hours and eighteen vacant apartment units located in high-crime housing communities were secured by the VIPD Special Operations Bureau. Furthermore, Velinor mentioned that VIPD through the Deputy Commissioner of Operations is utilizing data collection that is used for allocating resources for crime and traffic safety. As a result, a total of 920 citations were issued to drivers for occupant protection, 281 for impaired driving, four arrests for driving under the influence, and five arrests for illegal firearm possession achieved by the VIPD Traffic Division, according to Velinor.

Despite the collaborative efforts of the VIPD, crime continues to rise in the Territory. Comparatively, to 2019, in 2020 there is a 29% rise in homicides with a 100% increase in related arrests. Velinor further mentioned that a to–date there are a total of 40 homicides in the Virgin Islands. Sen. Payne stated that the statistics are disheartening. “I am concerned because despitethe Federal and local partnerships there is a rise in crime in comparison to last year when people were free to traverse. Yet due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the community was on lockdown, many are working from home, and mass gatherings are prohibited. Yet there is an increase in violent crimes in the Territory. There needs to be more police presence in areas where shots are constantly fired.” Sen. Myron Jackson stated that a comprehensive approach to reducing gun violence in the Territory is required. “There are over 1,000 families who deserve an explanationand closure for the sudden and violent loss of their loved ones. VIPD needs a comprehensive plan to address gun violence,” Sen. Jackson said.

VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen shared an update on the 9–1–1 Operating System. VITEMA and VIPD work closely together utilizing emergency calls as a means of combating illegal activity. Thus far in 2020, because of residents calling 9-1-1 and ShotSpotter, there are a total of 1,547 weapons firearm complaints. The breakdown is as follows: 768 weapon firearm complaints in the St. Thomas-St. John District and 779 in the St. Croix District. ShotSpotter allows VIPD to quickly access gunshot data to improve response time to the crime scene. Jaschen stated that thecall history records are secured by VITEMA 9-1-1 call center management.      

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CommunityCrime

U.S. Attorney Warns of Phone Scammers Preying Upon the Elderly

by Daniel E. Ottley
written by Daniel E. Ottley

St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced that The Office of Justice Programs’ Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) has received multiple reports that individuals claiming to represent the Department of Justice are contacting members of the public as part of an imposter scam. She strongly encourages the public to remain vigilant and not to provide personal information during these calls, which appear to target the elderly.
Reports to the National Elder Fraud Hotline indicate these scammers falsely represent themselves as Department of Justice investigators or employees and attempt to obtain personal information from the call recipient, or they leave a voicemail with a return phone number. The return phone number directs users to a recorded menu that matches the recorded menu for the department’s main phone number. Eventually, the user reaches an “operator” who steers the user to someone claiming to be an investigator. That “investigator” then attempts to gain the user’s personal information.

“Members of the public need to know that Department of Justice employees never contact members of the public, asking for personal information,” Shappert said. “Anyone who receives such a call or an email, should contact the Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) immediately.”

United States Attorney Shappert encourages anyone, and especially elderly victims, who may be a victim of fraud – or of any other crime – to come forward and make a report to the FBI at (340) 777-3363.
Those who receive these calls are encouraged not to provide personal information and to report these scams to the FTC via their website or by calling 877–FTC–HELP (877-382-4357). Fraud can also be reported to the FBI for law enforcement action at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/report-fraud

The National Elder Fraud Hotline is a resource created by OVC for people to report fraud against anyone age 60 or older. Reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible, and within the first 2–3 days, can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open seven days a week. For more information about the hotline, please visit https://stopelderfraud.ovc.ojp.gov/.
“Members of the public need to know that Department of Justice employees never contact members of the public, asking for personal information,” Shappert said. “Anyone who receives such a call or an email, should contact the Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) immediately.”

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CommunityCrimeVI Government

V.I. OFFICE OF THE GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION BILL HELD IN COMMITTEE

by Daniel E. Ottley
written by Daniel E. Ottley

THOMAS- Members of the Committee on Rules and Judiciary chaired by Sen. Janelle K. Sarauw, convened in a meeting at the Capitol Building on Thursday, to receive testimony on Bill No. 33-0126-An Act amending Title 3, chapter 1 of the Virgin Islands Code by adding a new section 27i establishing the Virgin Islands Office of Gun Violence Prevention under the Office of the Governor. However, the Bill would not gain traction as it was voted to be held in Committee.

The measure seeks to establish and task the Virgin Islands Office of Gun Violence Prevention to develop effective strategies to reduce and prevent gun violence in the Virgin Islands. Furthermore, the bill calls for the Office to collaborate with non-governmental agencies and providers involved in gun violence prevention, organize initiatives to bring community awareness, establish a resource line for referrals and counseling, and to improve the relationship between law enforcement and the community. “The Virgin Islands rank third in the world for gun violence according to statistics from the United Nations. We have to be ambitious to eradicate gun violence in our community while dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic,” said Sen. Myron Jackson, sponsor of the bill. However, Sen. Oakland Benta stated that the bill is redundant. “I am a stern believer that this venture is one that exists within the government already to include the Bureau of Corrections, the Office of the Attorney General, the Law Enforcement Planning Commission, and the Virgin Islands Police Department.”

To strengthen the bill, the Office of the Attorney General Denise George suggested establishing a timeline to analyze data, codifying a gun violence plan, and for the Office to collaborate with researchers from the University of the Virgin Islands and other academic institutions to assist with the process. In response to Sen. Sarauw’s inquiry whether there is a disconnect between the V.I. Police Department and the Department of Justice; George mentioned that both entities have a very good relationship and work closely to combat crime in the Territory.

Separately, lawmakers voted and approved the following:

  • Bill No. 33-0054- An Act amending Title 11 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 23 for Small Business Development.
  • Bill No. 33-0106- An Act amending Title 6 of the Virgin Islands Code by adding a new chapter 11 prohibiting various uses of unmanned aircraft, also known as drones.
  • Bill No. 33-0217- An Act authorizing the Department of Property and Procurement in conjunction with other agencies to refurbish the building located at No. 1 Norre Gade on St. Thomas and convert it into public restrooms to be used by the public, including tourists.

However, senators voted to hold in committee at the call of the Chair: Bill No. 33-0250- An Act amending Title 3, chapter 9, section 134a, subsection (b) of the Virgin Islands Code, relating to the duties of the Department of Public Works, Division of Capital Improvement in administering and coordinating capital improvement projects, to require that a Front-End Engineering and Design is completed for each capital improvement project of the various departments and agencies of GVI before the procurement of engineering and construction services.

All approved items will be forwarded to the Full Body for further consideration.

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CrimeLatest NewsSports

Michael Jordan ‘pained and plain angry’ over George Floyd’s death, joins call for change

by Daniel E. Ottley
written by Daniel E. Ottley

Charlotte Hornets owner and Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan joined the chorus of athletes, coaches and executives expressing their grief and outrage over the death of George Floyd.

“I am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry,” Jordan said in a statement Sunday. “… I stand with those who are calling out the ingrained racism and violence toward people of color in our country. We have had enough.”

Floyd, a black man, died last week in Minneapolis after Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, kneeled on his neck for more than eight minutes. Chauvin was fired Tuesday and charged Friday with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Three other officers were also fired but have not been charged.

Floyd’s death has sparked protests in cities across the United States.

 

“I don’t have the answers, but our collective voices show strength and the inability to be divided by others,” Jordan said. “We must listen to each other, show compassion and empathy and never turn our backs on senseless brutality. We need to continue peaceful expressions against injustice and demand accountability. Our unified voice needs to put pressure on our leaders to change our laws, or else we need to use our vote to create systemic change. Every one of us needs to be part of the solution, and we must work together to ensure justice for all.”

Jordan was joined Sunday by the LA Clippers  Doc Rivers and the Phoenix Suns Monty Williams, two black coaches who stressed the urgent need for immediate change.

“We have allowed too many tragedies to pass in vain,” Rivers said in a statement. “This isn’t an African-American issue. This is a human issue. Our society must start getting comfortable with the uncomfortable conversation and do the right thing. Silence and inactivity are not acceptable anymore. Now is the time to speak.”

Williams, whose wife died in a car crash four years ago, said he is familiar with the feeling of sudden, tragic loss.

“I pray for those we have lost but more personally for those who have lost — the families of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and so many before you,” he said in a statement, referring also to the high-profile shooting deaths of two black Americans in recent months. “I know how it feels to get that call that someone you love isn’t coming home. The pit in your stomach. The unequivocal feeling of helplessness. Dropping to your knees and imploring God ‘why?’

“I feel your pain and can truly sympathize and empathize. I wish no one would ever have to receive that call again.”

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban attended a prayer vigil on Sunday in Dallas along with several Mavericks players, including Justin Jackson. Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James shared videos on social media of peaceful protests in Denver and Washington D.C.

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CrimeLatest News

George Floyd protests spread nationwide

by Daniel E. Ottley
written by Daniel E. Ottley

Protests erupted for sixth day across the US over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

At least 40 cities imposed curfews but most were broken, and National Guard members have been activated in at least 23 states and Washington, DC.

One former officer who was seen with his knee on Floyd’s neck was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter, but protesters say the charge isn’t harsh enough, and are demanding charges for the other officers involved.

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