BVI Governor appoints former Gibraltar Police Chief as interim Acting Commissioner

British Virgin Islands Governor Daniel Pruce has announced plans to appoint Richard Ullger, former Commissioner of Police in Gibraltar, as Interim Acting Commissioner of Police, following his decision to remove Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool from the top post.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Governor Pruce confirmed that Vanterpool will return to her substantive role as Deputy Commissioner on November 18, after serving more than a year as Acting Commissioner of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). He said the move was made in line with the Virgin Islands Constitution and the Police Act, after 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’s extended tenure as Acting Commissioner—over a year—had presented challenges. “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 said.

Governor Pruce praised Vanterpool’s leadership during what he described as a “demanding and often pressurised” time and thanked the senior team and wider police force for their continued service.

The Governor also announced that Richard Ullger has been recommended to serve as Interim Acting Commissioner. Ullger, who led the Royal Gibraltar Police for five years, also has experience as Acting Commissioner in both the Falkland Islands and St. Helena, and brings “extensive senior policing experience in the context of the UK’s Overseas Territories.”

Pruce added that the United Kingdom will fund Ullger’s interim appointment, allowing the RVIPF to retain three Deputy Commissioners instead of two, strengthening leadership within the force. “That should allow for three DCPs, rather than two, to remain in post simultaneously and provide additional senior resilience in the force,” he said.

Reaffirming his constitutional duty to safeguard the territory, the Governor stated, “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 remains ongoing.