ST. CROIX — Eight V.I.P.D. officers have graduated from the New York City Police Academy, successfully completing training last week, both Governor Kenneth Mapp and the V.I.P.D. announced Monday.
Fulfilling one of his early promises, the governor in April sent eight officers to the New York City Police Department (N.Y.P.D.) — four from St. Croix and four from St. Thomas — where they were to receive training for six months within the New York City Police Academy.
During a press conference on Monday, Mr. Mapp congratulated the eight officers, and made known that a formal reception would be held in their honor. The governor also said that eight additional officers would soon be on their way to the academy, and noted that N.Y.P.D. officials had spoken in glowing terms about the V.I. officers. These officials also made recommendations for a training program geared toward more experienced members of the territory’s police force, Mr. Mapp said, as only V.I.P.D. officers with less than five years on the force are eligible to participate in the current program.
“They really did very well,” Mr. Mapp said of the graduates.
According to a press release issued by V.I.P.D. Public Information Officer Glen Dratte, the officers received comprehensive training in the following areas: police science, firearms, defensive tactics, crisis management, community relations, hazmat, fitness and first aid. The officers also learned to handle a variety of scenarios — from dealing with the mentally ill to protecting the public from bomb threats.
Police Commissioner Delroy Richards and Lt. Jones Maria, a special assistant to the ,ommissioner and Liaison to the N.Y.P.D., attended the graduation, according to the release.
Feature Image: Police recruits try on bulletproof vest at NYPD Police Academy.
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