Terms of reference: British Virgin Islands inspection

As set out in the framework for implementation of recommendations of the British Virgin Islands Commission of Inquiry report and other reforms (PDF document), the Governor of the British Virgin Islands has appointed HMICFRS to deliver recommendations B38 and B41: 

Recommendation B38: 

“The Governor, in consultation with the Premier, appoints a panel to conduct the review of the law enforcement and justice systems, which will form an element of the Constitutional Review, and will cover: (i) structure (including whether the front-line law enforcement agencies should have a lead agency, and which it should be, and under which arm(s) of government should law enforcement lie; and, particularly, where responsibility for border control should lie); (ii) resources and funding; (iii) conduct and standards; and (iv) terms and conditions. The law enforcement agencies covered in the review are the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, Financial Investigation Agency, HM Customs, Immigration Department, Prison Service, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Attorney General’s Chambers and/or the courts. The completed report will be presented to the Governor and Premier.” 

Please note, that for the FIA, the Office of the DPP, the AG Chambers, and the Courts, the Inspectorate will only be looking at the elements of the system that interact with the Police and other law enforcement agencies. 

 Recommendation B41:  

“The Governor appoints a panel to ensure that the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and, as necessary, other enforcement agencies, have the facilities and powers to prevent, monitor and detect crime, and prepare matters for prosecution, including by way of access to and use of modern scientific techniques and intelligence material. The panel can comprise representatives of e.g., the Attorney General, the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Police Commissioner, HM Customs Commissioner and the Chief Immigration Officer, with external expertise being brought in as and when required. The completed report setting out what is required will be presented to the Governor.” 

Get the report

This report is now published.

The British Virgin Islands: volume one – A review of law enforcement and criminal justice bodies in the British Virgin Islands – 27 June 2024