Dear Source,
I was appalled to read about the decision of some of our Senators in calling for the head of Police Commissioner James McCall.
From my vantage point, I see a clear improvement in policing our Territory. Also, I see the growing divide between the "old way" of doing Police business and the "new way" of higher training, more educated and more effective way of doing Police business.
There is much more community support and involvement that has resulted in capture and arrest of criminals on a level not seen before.
(thank you Crime Stoppers)
Can you not recognize that the "old way" was not working?
Have you forgotten that Jim McCall walked in to a Department that was a Jack Spaniards nest of trouble?
Do you not see the talent that McCall has attracted in order to improve our Police Department?
The accomplishments that have been hard fought for and won all came while under a "consent decree' with the Department of Justice over policies, procedures and incidents that occured while doing business the "old way"
In fact, it is that very "consent decree" that allowed for the new training program and more.
(please look into senate financial procedures) Their coverage of malfeasance within the Police Department should allow Commissioner McCall to move some of the long timers out of some of the key positions where they have seem to serve and protect the wrong people.
The true problem of our Territory’s Police Department is lack of manpower. Currently there are more than 100 vacant positions and a severe shortage of patrol officers.
Should our Senators ever realize this fact, perhaps they would call for the head of the recruiter. (a former senator)
So, what we really have is a Commissioner who has accomplished a considerable amount of improvement over a considerable short time with less than a full Police force.
(special thanks to the officers who serve and work extra to protect us)
Commissioner James McCall apparently bee cutting through the fat and is getting "close to the bone", as it is said.
Obviously, some higher ups are feeling the pressure.
Senators, look no further than your own Legislature and compare your progress with that od the VIPD. From transparency, to approved contracts with cronies, to an audit and to the continued secrecy surrounding your legislation all points to "business as usual" which, of course, is the "old way"
Remember in September come Primary Day.Remember in November for whom the bell tolls…
I am not a satisfied voter, at this time.
Sincerely,
Steve Nisky
St. Croix

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