Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has signed an executive order to link security cameras operated by government agencies across the territory into a single network, giving the Virgin Islands Police Department secure access to footage during investigations and public safety emergencies.
Bryan unveiled the plan at Government House on Monday alongside Police Commissioner Mario Brooks. The governor also announced he had worked out a pay deal with the Police Benevolent Association, lifting the starting wage for officers to $50,000 from $41,000 and for cadets to $45,000 from $35,000.
Executive Order 549-2026 requires all Executive Branch agencies to catalogue their exterior-facing cameras and coordinate with the VIPD and Bureau of Information Technology to link compatible equipment into the system. Currently, security cameras at government buildings, public housing, transit hubs, parking lots and roads operate as separate installations across the islands.
Bryan framed the move as a way to eliminate delays in police work. "If a government-owned camera can help Commissioner Brooks and his officers identify a suspect, locate a vehicle, preserve evidence or respond more safely, then we should not be wasting valuable time trying to figure out who owns that camera or how to get access to it," he said.
The network complements tools already deployed by police, including ShotSpotter acoustic sensors, existing cameras and the Department's Real-Time Intelligence Centers. Police have credited these systems with helping officers track suspects and vehicles, build investigative leads and make arrests.
Brooks said the expanded camera access would strengthen police capabilities. "Technology does not replace good police work. It enhances it," he said.
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