VIPD Commissioner Novelle E. Francis Jr. signed a memorandum of agreement Tuesday with the V.I. Housing Authority (VIHA) to improve safety and security in and around V.I. public housing.
According to a VIPD news release, the goals and objectives of the agreement are community oriented to help reduce criminal activities and increase police presence. The terms of the agreement include holding regular meetings with the VIHA and resident advisory boards or resident leaders to collaborate on crime-intervention strategies.
Police will increase drive-through patrols, stop, walk and talk to residents, establish zero tolerance for graffiti and junked vehicles, assist in the prosecuting of habitual offenders, and participate in crime watch meetings.
The police will also participate with the authority to provide training for residents and onsite management to develop crime-prevention strategies. The VIPD will also provide, free of charge, local criminal background records of current tenants and applicants when requested by VIHA in writing.
