A TEAM OF 14 police constables, two sergeants and an inspector from the Met Police have gone out to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) to help with local law enforcement after Hurricane Irma devastated the area.
The team flew out on a military flight from Brize Norton to Barbados, from where they would travel on to the BVI to assist local police.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Peter Terry of the Metropolitan Police explained why the officers were being spared from London duties to go and help with the relief effort. He said: “Our thoughts at this terrible time are with all the families in the Caribbean who have lost loved ones or whose lives have been decimated by this disaster. The team, who have all volunteered to assist at this tragic time, will be providing support to their colleagues and will help to reassure local people.
“Following a request made through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for assistance with humanitarian aid the Met immediately responded to assist the UK policing response led by the National Police Chief’s Council. The officers, who work in a variety of roles across the Met, will be sworn in as Special Constabulary which allows them to perform and have the same legal powers as their colleagues.
“The officers will be deployed under the management of the British Virgin Islands Police, but the Met will remain in constant contact with officers to provide them with 24 hour welfare support should they need it. The initial number of officers deployed and the length of their deployment will be kept under review.
“I know that this will be an arduous and difficult deployment for our officers and am proud that so many officers have offered their assistance so enthusiastically – this speaks volumes for the dedication of those working in the Metropolitan Police and across the country.”
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