The Virgin Islands Police Department is reminding residents and visitors on St. Thomas and St. John to save the department’s emergency response numbers, emphasizing that quick access to help during crises can be lifesaving.
For St. Thomas and St. John residents, the VIPD emergency number is 340-776-9110. Residents on St. Croix should call 340-772-9111. Both lines are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with dispatchers trained to handle urgent situations ranging from medical emergencies to criminal activity.
Why This Matters Now
While 911 serves as the national emergency standard, many residents remain unaware of the dedicated VIPD lines or may experience delays in reaching help through traditional channels. Having the direct police department number stored in phones and posted at home or businesses can shave precious minutes off response times during emergencies.
The reminder comes as the VIPD continues to build its community presence and encourages public awareness of available resources. According to the department’s website, the agency is committed to providing quick response and crime prevention as core pillars of its public safety mission.
Building Community Safety Infrastructure
The VIPD operates several programs designed to strengthen emergency response and community engagement. The department maintains an Office of Highway Safety, offers impaired driving prevention initiatives, and operates a motor carrier safety assistance program to reduce traffic-related incidents across the islands.
Beyond emergency response, the VIPD has made strides in modernizing its operations. The department launched an eCitation system to streamline traffic enforcement and maintains CRASHDOCS.org, a public database where residents can access traffic crash information.
Getting Involved
The VIPD also welcomes community members to volunteer and participate in neighborhood safety initiatives. The department’s website lists opportunities to join as a volunteer, with a hiring process designed to bring committed residents into the public safety effort.
For those interested in a career with the VIPD, the department offers competitive workplace benefits and incentives as part of recruitment efforts aimed at strengthening the force.
What to Do in an Emergency
Residents should save both the general emergency number and their local precinct contact information. When calling, dispatchers ask callers to remain calm, provide their location, describe the emergency, and follow dispatcher instructions. Staying on the line until help arrives is critical, particularly in medical emergencies or situations involving violence.
The VIPD encourages residents to familiarize themselves with these resources before an emergency occurs. Posting numbers on refrigerators, programming them into household phones, and teaching children when and how to call can prepare families for unexpected situations.
As the VIPD continues its mission to make the Virgin Islands a safer community, Commissioner Mario Brooks has emphasized the department’s commitment to professionalism, integrity, and crime prevention through rapid response and strong community partnerships.
