British police officers travel to BVI to continue hurricane recovery efforts

The officers travelled on a Royal Air Force flight and arrived earlier today (Thursday 28 September). They will continue the joint patrolling of the islands and assisting the British Virgin Islands Police in policing duties.

The National Police Co-ordination Centre (NPoCC) has worked with government partners and the Ministry of Defence to co-ordinate the police response in the Caribbean.

The 59 officers who flew out to the Caribbean in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma earlier this month are returning to the UK and normal duties.

National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for International Policing, Chief Constable Andy Marsh said: “Once again officers from across the country have volunteered to help those in need, knowing the desolation and limited resources in the British Virgin Islands.

“We have provided support to the local police in maintaining law and order. We will continue to work closely with the BVI police force to help return these islands to some normality.”

Minister for Policing and the Fire Service, Nick Hurd said:

“It is our duty to ensure that we are assisting those most in need following the hurricanes in the Caribbean, and we are continuously monitoring the situation and working closely with police forces across the country to coordinate our response.

“This is why the Home Office has deployed a number of officers to the British Virgin Islands to replace the 60 officers who flew out to the Caribbean in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma earlier this month.

“Our assistance is still very much needed in the area, and I am proud that we have officers in this country that are willing to step up and help wherever it is needed.”