Governor Daniel Pruce has announced plans to appoint former Gibraltar Commissioner of Police Richard Ullger as Interim Acting Commissioner of Police, following his decision to remove Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool and return her to her substantive post as Deputy Commissioner.
Former Gibraltar Commissioner of Police Richard Ullger and Governor Daniel Pruce
In a statement issued last week, the Governor confirmed that Vanterpool would resume her position as Deputy Commissioner on November 18, after serving more than a year in the top role.
He said the decision was made in accordance with the Virgin Islands Constitution and the Police Act, following consultation with the Police Service Commission (PoSC).
‘I wanted to provide an update concerning the leadership of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. Ms Jacqueline Vanterpool will return to her substantive role as Deputy Commissioner of Police on 18 November, after serving as Acting Commissioner of Police,’ Pruce stated.
He noted that Vanterpool had been appointed Acting Commissioner ‘until further notice’ and had served for over a year. ‘An extended period with an acting leader is challenging for any organisation, not least one such as the RVIPF, which as we know is facing a difficult operating environment,’ he added.
Pruce expressed appreciation for Vanterpool’s leadership, describing her tenure as ‘demanding and often pressurised,’ and commended the senior team and wider police force for their support.
The Governor also announced that he had recommended Richard Ullger for the interim role.
Ullger is a former Commissioner of the Royal Gibraltar Police, a position he held for five years.
He has also served as Acting Commissioner of Police in the Falklands and St Helena and has ‘extensive senior policing experience in the context of the UK’s Overseas Territories,’ the statement said.
Pruce further disclosed that the United Kingdom would cover the cost of the interim appointment, allowing the force to retain three Deputy Commissioners instead of two.
‘That should allow for three DCPs, rather than two, to remain in post simultaneously and provide additional senior resilience in the force,’ he explained.
He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring public safety, stating, ‘As I committed upon being sworn in as Governor in January 2024, I am duty-bound by the Constitution to ensure the safety and security of the Virgin Islands. This is a responsibility I take with utmost seriousness.’
The recruitment process for a permanent Commissioner of Police is ongoing.