Reacting to the conviction Thursday of VIPD Sgt. George Greene on charges of possessing illegal weapons, Police Commissioner Novelle Francis issued a statement acknowledging corruption in the ranks and willingness to weed it out.

Francis asked his officers to take heed of the conviction and reminded them that their credibility and the public’s trust is what backs the power of the badge.

In the statement issued late Friday, Francis said:

“We at the VIPD are not applauding the conviction of a police officer. However we are mindful, and reminded, that the police are not above the law. We are subject to the same restrictions, rules and regulations that any citizen of the Virgin Islands is subject to. When the occasion arises where a police officer exhibits behavior indicating he feels that he is above the law, then it is fitting that the justice system step in, evaluate the circumstances of the case and render a decision.

“Any time an officer travels to the ‘dark side,’ the VIPD will be 100-percent supportive of the judicial process to determine innocence or guilt.

“I would like to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their diligence in pursuing this case and bringing it to a resolution. Additionally, I would like to thank the members of the Virgin Islands Police Department who testified in this matter. Most importantly I would like to thank the jurors who showed the courage necessary to hear this case impartially and render a verdict.

“It is my hope that all police officers would take heed of this verdict and study its implications. This verdict exemplifies that short cuts are not to be taken in any instances – that rules and procedures are in place to protect the integrity of the department and of the officer. Our police department stands on a foundation of integrity and honesty. If that foundation is allowed to be eroded by the acts of a few, the department will not have the creditability necessary to be a protector of the people of Virgin Islands.

“To all VIPD officers and all residents who strive to be good citizens – Remember that the true test of character is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”

“Sgt. Greene remains on suspension without pay pending final termination proceedings,” Francis said.

Greene, 33, faces up to 11 years in prison and as much as $500,000 in fines for the two-count conviction handed down in District Court Thursday.

That could be just the beginning of his woes, however.

He and two co-defendants – VIPD Capt. Enrique Saldana and St. Croix resident Luis Roldan – are due in District Court next week to stand trial for extortion, bribery and other local and federal charges.

Saldana and Greene are accused of using their status as police officers to extort $5,000 from a known criminal. Roldan is accused of being a coconspirator and aiding them in the alleged crime.

They were tried on those same charges in December but the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict, resulting in a mistrial.

Jury selection for the retrial begins Monday.