Ray Martinez
Ray Martinez, who in 2019 was named director of the the Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Planning Commission, is expected to be named the next police commissioner by Governor Albert Bryan in the coming days.
That's according to a person with first-hand knowledge of the matter, who said Gov't House was expected to hold a press briefing on the announcement this week, though it might be pushed back because of Mr. Bryan's hectic schedule in the coming days.
The Consortium first reported on the possibility of Mr. Martinez — who was once director of intelligence at the V.I.P.D. — being selected for the job on June 11. During an interview on June 15 with the Consortium, Mr. Bryan said Mr. Martinez was among candidates being considered.
Mr. Martinez's upcoming appointment follows the end of Police Commissioner Trevor Velinor's contract, whose tenure at the V.I.P.D. expires on June 30. The commissioner, leaving just two years after being appointed, told staff on June 11 he was exiting the V.I.P.D. to spend more time with his family.
Mr. Martinez's appointment comes at a crucial time for the V.I.P.D., with the territory experiencing rising gun violence and twenty-five homicides for the year so far. But his tenure will also see the rollout of a territory-wide video surveillance system that is expected to help the police department catch criminals while also serving as a deterrent to criminal behavior.
Also working in the incoming commissioner's favor is Governor Bryan's recent announcement that his administration would expand its crime-fighting initiatives with Covid-19 funding following President Joe Biden's announcement that state and local officials whose jurisdictions are seeing heightened gun violence can use $350 billion in Covid-19 relief dollars to bolster their police departments.
For example, officials can use the funding to hire more law enforcement personnel even if total personnel climbs beyond pre-Covid levels. The funds can also be used to invest in programs that try to identify and mediate potentially violent conflicts.
Mr. Bryan, noting the president's announcement, said Saturday, “We have a tremendous opportunity now with President Biden’s green light to significantly increase the tools we need. These resources will help us purchase more equipment, hire more officers and add more cameras to our growing surveillance network to help stop the violent crime plaguing our community. We also plan to use these resources to purchase additional scanning equipment at our territory’s ports.”
On his LinkedIn page, Mr. Martinez described himself as "experienced, multi-faceted professional possessing excellent organizational and analytical skills to effectively administrate performance-driven teams. Seeking opportunities to showcase my executive management expertise, initiative and creativity. Law enforcement and security professional equipped with the knowledge of contemporary global crime fighting and security principles, risk/crisis management mitigation strategies, and workplace safety protocols. Versed in developing strategies that promote organizational effectiveness and efficiency. Exceptional ability to communicate with persons and groups at various professional and intellectual levels. Recognized for innovations in the development of intelligence-driven law enforcement initiatives and investigations. Superior analytical skills and problem solving abilities."
