Carl John of the Police Force of St. Maarten (KPSM) and
Incoming First Vice-President Mario Brooks of the
Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD)
PARAMARIBO, SURINAME -In a historic move during the 40th Annual Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) Conference, Commissioner Mario Brooks of the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) was elected by his regional peers to serve as the organization’s First Vice-President. This prestigious appointment places the U.S. Virgin Islands at the forefront of Caribbean law enforcement leadership and policy development.
The election took place as top law enforcement officials from across the Caribbean gathered in Suriname to address the conference theme, “Organized Crime: Implications for Regional Development.” Commissioner Brooks’ ascent to this executive role reflects the high level of respect his counterparts hold for the VIPD’s recent operational successes and its focus on modernization.
“I am deeply honored to be chosen by my fellow Commissioners to serve in this capacity,” said Commissioner 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.”
The election of Commissioner Brooks reinforces his ongoing mission to establish the VIPD as a regional leader in two critical areas:
• Technological Advancement: Commissioner Brooks will now have a broader platform to advocate for the use of cutting-edge technology including drone programs and advanced data analytics as a standard for law enforcement across the Caribbean.
• Constitutional Policing Excellence: With the VIPD recently achieving major milestones in federal compliance, Commissioner Brooks intends to share the department’s “people-first” policing model as a benchmark for his regional neighbors.
By serving as First Vice-President, Commissioner Brooks ensures that the interests of the Virgin Islands are central to the ACCP’s strategic goals, including intelligence sharing, joint training exercises, and the implementation of unified security protocols to combat 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.”
About the ACCP:
The Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) is a regional organization dedicated to the development of policing and the implementation of regional security strategies. Representing 26 Caribbean nations, the ACCP works to reduce crime and improve public safety through international cooperation and shared professional standards.
