ST. THOMAS —\u00a0Senator Novelle Francis Jr. on Thursday denounced the actions of V.I.P.D. officers who are claiming what is being called the \u201cBlue Flu\u201d during the height of the carnival season. According to a release issued by Mr. Francis’ office, the senator learned on Thursday that many officers did not report to work and called in sick. Mr. Francis said he was particularly concerned because law enforcement\u2019s practice for ensuring a safe J\u2019ouvert and carnival requires all able personnel to support policing and safety initiatives.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am disappointed in those officers who chose today to demonstrate their dissatisfaction with the Virgin Islands Police Department, especially at a time when all hands are needed on deck,\u201d Mr. Francis said. \u201cWe have seen in the past how the revelry of J\u2019ouvert can rapidly shift to violence. In my experience, a strong and visible police presence can help to ensure that the fun and safety of residents and visitors alike is not marred by violence.”<\/p>\n
The release says Mr. Francis had yet to receive details that led to the officers’ action, but maintained that their decision not to report to work during \u00a0the \u00a0height of carnival does not honor the code of sworn personnel.<\/p>\n
\u201cLaw enforcement officers are supposed to be their brother\u2019s keepers. The officers involved in today\u2019s blue flu have not only violated that code, but jeopardized the safety of their fellow officers,” he said.<\/p>\n
Mr. Francis, who chairs the\u00a0Senate\u2019s Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety and Justice, also commended\u00a0St. Croix V.I.P.D. officers and law enforcement officers from other agencies who have worked alongside personnel of the St. Thomas\/St. John district to ensure police coverage during the carnival season.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ST. THOMAS —\u00a0Senator Novelle Francis Jr. on Thursday denounced the actions of V.I.P.D. officers who are claiming what is being called the \u201cBlue Flu\u201d during the height of the carnival season. According to a release issued by Mr. Francis’ office, the senator learned on Thursday that many officers did not report to work and called […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":38431,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[228,11,2474,147],"tags":[4990,4994,70,869],"yoast_head":"\n