GITTENS’ BILL TO ESTABLISH VIPD POLICE RESERVE UNIT RECEIVES UNANIMOUS SUPPORT

Proposed legislation aims to strengthen police manpower, reduce overtime costs and improve public safety across the Virgin Islands

Oct. 15, 2026

ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Legislation introduced by Senate Vice President Kenneth L. Gittens to establish a dedicated Police Reserve Unit within the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) received unanimous support from senators during a Thursday hearing before the Committee on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety.

Bill No. 36-0318, known as the proposed Police Reserve Act, seeks to create a certified reserve force that could assist the department during emergencies, special events and periods of increased demand for police services.

Gittens said the measure would help maximize the territory’s law enforcement resources while providing a fiscally responsible approach to improving public safety.

“This legislation is an important step forward in maximizing our territory's law enforcement resources,” Gittens said. He added that a certified reserve force would provide the VIPD with an additional resource to strengthen community outreach and support public safety where assistance is most needed.

Reserve officers could ease pressure on full-time police

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Under the proposal, reserve officers would handle supportive and specialized duties, helping reduce the operational burden on full-time officers. The initiative is intended to allow regular police personnel to devote more time to criminal investigations, community patrols and other essential law enforcement responsibilities.

Gittens also emphasized that funding for reserve officers should come directly from savings generated by reducing excessive overtime expenses within the department.

The proposed unit is designed to provide a more cost-effective option for addressing temporary staffing shortages, particularly during emergencies and major public events, without replacing the need for a professional, full-time police force.

VIPD leadership backs proposal

The legislation has received support from VIPD leadership and the Virgin Islands Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council. Under the bill, all reserve officers would be required to obtain certification through the POST Council.

Dwayne Richards, VIPD director of human resources, said a properly structured reserve unit could provide additional personnel while maintaining the importance of a fully staffed professional police department.

Richards pointed to situations such as reports of missing children as examples of incidents in which reserve officers could be called upon to assist the department.

Such a resource could provide additional manpower when police operations require an immediate response or when regular officers are already committed to other duties.

Builds on previous law enforcement initiative

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The proposal follows Gittens’ previous legislative effort, Act 9117, which temporarily reassigned enforcement officers from various government agencies to the VIPD to help address sudden increases in violent crime and relieve pressure on overworked personnel.

Both initiatives reflect Gittens’ stated focus on strengthening police manpower, increasing officer visibility and addressing gaps in community coverage.

If enacted, the Police Reserve Act would establish another mechanism for supplementing the department’s available personnel during periods of heightened demand.

Bill advances to next legislative stage

Following its unanimous support at the committee hearing, Bill No. 36-0318 will move to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration.

The proposal’s next steps will determine whether the legislation advances through the remaining legislative process.

While the measure has gained support from senators and law enforcement representatives, its ultimate impact will depend on the final legislation, implementation, available funding and the recruitment and certification of qualified reserve officers