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- Contributor Dickson Igwe proposed establishing a covert criminal intelligence network to combat violent crime and unsolved murders in the British Virgin Islands.
- Igwe stated that community distrust of internal police culture and fear of retaliation prevent residents from sharing critical crime information.
- The commentary argues visible policing is ineffective against porous borders, advocating for undercover operations to gather actionable intelligence and prevent violence.
Writing in a commentary for BVI News, contributor Dickson Igwe has called for the establishment of a covert, proactive criminal intelligence network in the British Virgin Islands to address violent crime and unsolved murders. Igwe argued that public fear of retaliation and widespread distrust of internal police culture prevent residents from coming forward with crucial information, despite many knowing who is perpetuating crime in the territory.
According to Igwe, traditional visible policing is fundamentally ineffective in the British Virgin Islands due to porous borders that make it easy for weapons and drugs to be smuggled in. The commentary followed public discussions surrounding the high number of unsolved murders and the killing of Virgin Islands Native Sons. Igwe asserted that relying on visible patrols fails to address the root of the territory's violent crime challenges.
To illustrate his proposal, Igwe detailed a scenario involving undercover operatives, such as a charismatic Spaniard entering a local bar, gathering actionable intelligence from local associates to preemptively disrupt criminal networks. He maintained that secrecy, silence in investigations, and preemptive action are essential to protect informants, identify threats, and save lives before violence occurs.