Mario Brooks, right, has been elected incoming First Vice President of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police, placing the Virgin Islands in a regional law enforcement leadership role.
V.I. Police Commissioner Mario Brooks has been elected First Vice President of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police, a regional appointment that places the U.S. Virgin Islands in a broader leadership role on Caribbean law enforcement policy, security cooperation and efforts to combat organized crime.
The election took place in Paramaribo, Suriname, during the 40th Annual ACCP Conference, where top law enforcement officials from across the Caribbean gathered under the theme, “Organized Crime: Implications for Regional Development.”
According to the VIPD, Brooks was elected by his regional peers to serve in the executive role, a move the department described as historic and reflective of the respect held for the VIPD’s recent operational successes and its focus on modernization.
“This prestigious appointment places the U.S. Virgin Islands at the forefront of Caribbean law enforcement leadership and policy development,” VIPD said.
Brooks said the appointment reflects more than individual recognition.
“I am deeply honored to be chosen by my fellow Commissioners to serve in this capacity,” said Brooks. “This is more than a personal milestone; it is a recognition of the Virgin Islands’ commitment to regional security. As First Vice-President, I look forward to fostering deeper collaboration among our islands to dismantle organized criminal networks that threaten our collective prosperity.”
VIPD said the election reinforces Commissioner Brooks’s effort to position the department as a regional leader in technological advancement and constitutional policing.
In the area of technology, Brooks is expected to use the broader platform to advocate for the use of drone programs, advanced data analytics and other tools as standards for law enforcement across the Caribbean.
The department also said Brooks intends to share VIPD’s “people-first” policing model with regional counterparts, particularly as the agency has recently achieved major milestones in federal compliance.
As First Vice President, Brooks will help ensure that Virgin Islands interests are represented in ACCP strategic goals, including intelligence sharing, joint training exercises and unified security protocols aimed at combating transnational crime.
“Our strength lies in our unity,” Brooks added. “The Virgin Islands stands ready to serve not just as a neighbor, but as a technological and professional example to our fellow Caribbean nations. Together, we are building a safer, more resilient region for all our citizens.”
The Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police represents 26 Caribbean nations and is dedicated to the development of policing and the implementation of regional security strategies. The organization works to reduce crime and improve public safety through international cooperation and shared professional standards.
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