TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, CMC—A recent law enforcement review revealed that Immigration officers in the territory lack proper equipment and training, leading to concerns about how well they can keep their borders secure.
A detailed review by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) highlighted several critical issues affecting the Department of Immigration.
The report states that immigration officers lack access to essential resources, including appropriate personal protective equipment and relevant officer safety training.
“Members of the enforcement team receive basic officer safety training during induction. But this isn’t refreshed annually. No staff recruited since 2021 have received formal training in using personal safety equipment such as handcuffs and batons,” the report stated.
It further noted that, given the likelihood of enforcement officers coming into conflict with offenders, this presents a significant risk. “It leads us to doubt that they are sufficiently trained to carry out their roles safely and professionally,” the report added.
The HMICFRS report recommends that the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development ensure that the senior management posts in the Department of Immigration are filled and that the senior management team functions effectively.
It also calls for immediate action to provide immigration officers with the necessary equipment and training to perform their duties adequately.
This is not the first time the issue of inadequate equipment has been brought to light. Opposition members have previously criticized the government for neglecting essential services, including law enforcement and immigration, which are crucial for the community’s safety and well-being.
The review also suggests that the existing processes for appraising, developing careers, and promoting within the Department of Immigration need substantial improvement to ensure they are fit for purpose and fair.
“Some staff we spoke to felt unable to challenge the systems in place for appraisal, promotion and career development. They explained that this is because they fear they may be victimized if they do,” the report said.
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