Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and Director Moleto A. Smith Jr. of the Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Planning Commission (LEPC) hosted the territory’s first Tri-Annual Virgin Islands Criminal Justice Stakeholders Meeting on Tuesday, July 9, at Government House on St. Croix.
This event was the first of its kind meeting of the heads of all sectors of the criminal justice system in the territory. It focused on creating safer communities through collaborations that address gaps in the criminal justice system, improve the collection and best use of criminal justice data, and connect to resources that support current and future initiatives.
In addition to Gov. Bryan and Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach Esq., who each gave opening remarks, other
attendees included Law Enforcement Planning Commission staff, representatives of Virgin Islands Judiciary, the Attorney General’s Office, the Office of the Virgin Islands Public Defender, VI Police Department, the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, the Virgin Islands Juvenile Justice State Advisory Group Board, Peace Officers Standards and Training, University of the Virgin Islands Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning (UVI-CELL) and Eastern Caribbean Center, Department of Health, Department of Education, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.
“I thank LEPC for convening this important gathering. As we know, the aim of all of us in the Bryan/Roach Administration is to do our best to keep our communities safe. The use of data to inform our decision-making, especially in law enforcement and crime prevention are a priority. I applaud Director Smith for taking the lead to address these important issues,” said Bryan.
Following robust open dialogue among the attendees, next-step actions, including implementing subcommittees on data, strategic planning and resources, were among the key objectives of the meeting.
“In addition to serving as the State Administering Agency for federal Department of Justice funds to the territory, a key responsibility of the Law Enforcement Planning Commission is to ensure the best use of criminal justice data that supports strategic planning and resources allocation across the criminal justice system.
I thank Gov. Bryan, Lt. Gov. Roach and each stakeholder for their overwhelming support, attendance and active participation in this important effort,” said Smith.
The Tri-Annual Virgin Islands Criminal Justice Stakeholders Meetings will convene three times annually.
The Law Enforcement Planning Commission is committed to supporting criminal justice initiatives and programs through collaboration, advice and resources to promote safer communities in the Virgin Islands.
