Aug. 18, 2007 — A hearing scheduled for 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, will address “growing concerns about the safety and security of public housing community residents” on St. Croix, according to a news release from Senator-at-Large Carmen Wesselhoft.
“Residents have complained about a lack of police visibility, theft, vandalism, concerns about their children’s safety and a general feeling of uneasiness,” Wesselhoft said, according to the release. “Without question, conditions have deteriorated in terms of security.”
Growing crime and violence in the community stems partly from the loss of the federally funded housing police force, said Wesselhoft, who chairs the Committee on Public Safety, Homeland Security and Justice.
“A void was created that was never truly filled,” Wesselhoft said. “I am anxious to hear the specific plans of the Virgin Islands Police Department for addressing security in our housing communities — something more must be done.”
The Senator-at-Large said that she was encouraging residents to join the discussion.
“I am hoping that those living in public housing will come out and bring their problems and questions directly to the officials with the power to address them,” she said. “We are really counting on residents to bring forward specific information that will be helpful to the officials.”
The Committee on Public Safety, Homeland Security and Justice will also review fire safety and disaster preparedness of the territory’s housing communities.
The release did not say where the hearing will take place. For more information contact Senator Wesselhoft’s office at 693-3546 or 712-2264.
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