I am appalled by the senseless action taken by the V.I.Police Department on the island of St. Croix.
Hiding behind the flimsy excuse that officer's lives are in "danger," police union leader Naomi Joseph made statements to the press that officers will walk or take buses whenever they are called upon.
Tell us Ms. Joseph, how many more lives do you think will be in danger if you follow
through with this ridiculous plan? We all understand that vehicles and offices are in various stages of disrepair, but officers that flatly refuse to operate operational vehicles because of minor problems are in my opinion, simply not worthy of being police officers.
You see, I believe that ANYONE who accepts a job as a civil (public) servant MUST answer to a higher call, especially those entrusted to uphold the law and maintain public safety.
How can an officer in good conscience willfully drag his or her feet to the scene of a crime? Can we send a clearer and louder message to thieves, murderers and rapists that this is their opportunity to wreak havoc on St. Croix? What ever happened to being proactive and trying to find quick simple solutions to everyday problems like flat tires and worn batteries?
I agree that the police department has been long overlooked, underfunded and
generally neglected. My heart truly goes out to the many officers who put their lives on the line for us everyday.
What they don't need however, is "leadership" that encourages civil disobedience and anarchy. There MUST be a better way to deal with this issue. Catching a Vitran to the scene of robbery is not only dangerous, it's embarrassing and hopefully illegal.
In closing, I must mention that police vehicles and office spaces would look better and last longer if more officers took pride in them. The Patrick Sweeney headquarters is one of the filthiest, most decrepit buildings I've ever stepped foot in. Police cruisers are constantly seen speeding, are dented and scratched within months of purchase, and are seldom washed.
Let's not try to mince words: The VIPD is as just as responsible for its horrific surroundings and dilapidated equipment as is the government. Responsibility and ONLY responsibility will be the ultimate cure for what ails everyone and everything in government.
Merle Lipschitz
Merle Lipschitz is a retired commercial real estate developer from New York, NY.
He is a long-time visitor to the Virgin Islands, has recently relocated to St. Croix and lives on his 42-foot sloop "Guajira" with his two dogs Marty and Bionic.