A 34 year veteran law enforcer who climbed through the ranks of the Gloucestershire Constabulary in the United Kingdom was sworn in as the new Police Commissioner on Wednesday.
Michael Matthews, who was also the former chief constable for the Sovereign Base Areas Police in Cyprus is on a three-year contract.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), in a media release said Matthews will be the overall strategic commander of the force.
“He will also provide operational policing leadership and mentorship to divisional heads. His other functions include overseeing key crime fighting strategies within the RVIPF, and developing and implementing sustainable programmes for the long-term capacity and capability of the RVIPF,” the release said.
The post of Commissioner of Police became vacant last year August after UK native David Morris retired at the end of his contract.
Shortly thereafter, the Office of the Governor disclosed that Robin Smith – another UK native – was selected for the post. However, without giving any specific reason, Smith announced later that he was no longer interested in taking up the top police job in the BVI – Matthews was later selected.
