Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. and Director Moleto A. Smith Jr., of the Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Planning Commission (LEPC) hosted the Territory’s first Tri-Annual Virgin Islands Criminal Justice Stakeholders Meeting on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Government House on St. Croix.
This event was the first of its kind meeting of the heads of all sectors of the criminal justice system in the
Territory. The meeting focused on creating safer communities by collaborations that address gaps in the
criminal justice system, improve the collection and best use of the criminal justice data, and connect to
resources that support current and future initiatives.
In addition to Governor Bryan and Lt. Governor Tregenza Roach, Esq., who each gave opening remarks, other attendees included LEPC staff, representatives of Virgin Islands Judiciary, Attorney General’s Office, Office of the Virgin Islands Public Defender, Police Department, Office of Gun Violence Prevention, the Virgin Islands Juvenile Justice State Advisory Group Board, Peace Officers Standards and Training, University of the Virgin Islands CELL and Eastern Caribbean Center, Department of Health, Department of Education, and the US Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.
“I thank LEPC for convening this important gathering. As we know the aim of all of us in the Bryan/Roach
Administration is to do our best to keep our communities safe. The use of data to inform our decision making, especially in law enforcement and crime prevention are a priority. I applaud Director Smith for taking the lead to address these important issues,” said Governor Bryan.
Following robust open dialogue among the attendees, next step actions, including implementing
subcommittees on data, strategic planning and resources, were among the key objectives of the meeting. “In addition to serving as the State Administering Agency for federal Department of Justice funds to the Territory, a key responsibility of the Law Enforcement Planning Commission is the ensure the best use of criminal justice data that support strategic planning and resources allocation across the criminal justice system.
I thank Governor Bryan, Lt. Governor Roach and each stakeholder for their overwhelming support, attendance and active participation in this important effort,” said Director Moleto A. Smith Jr.
The Tri-Annual Virgin Islands Criminal Justice Stakeholders Meetings will convene three times annually.
LEPC is committed to supporting criminal justice initiatives and programs through collaboration, advice, and resources to promote safer communities in the Virgin Islands.