Police Commissioner Ray Martinez, Asst. Commissioner Mario Brooks, and STT-STJ District Police Chief Barrington Thomas, Sr. pose with firearms that were confiscated in “Operation Silent Night” during New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Virgin Islands Police Department, utilizing intelligence, high visibility patrol and technology, on Friday initiated “Operation Silent Night,” an Old Year’s/New Year’s initiative focused on decreasing the discharge of illegal firearms, referred to as celebratory gunfire, the V.I.P.D. said via release Saturday.
V.I.P.D. officers, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies — the Dept. of Planning and Natural Resources, the Dept. of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, the V.I. Superior Court, and V.I. Port Authority — were stationed in specific areas of concern, said police spokesman Toby Derima.
In the St. Thomas District, 11 firearms (3 assault rifles, 8 semi-automatic handguns), and hundreds of rounds were confiscated; and two individuals were arrested on various firearm charges.
There were not as many confiscations on St. Croix, which Police Commissioner Ray Martinez credits to the strategic placement of officers.
