Investigation Clears Police Commissioner of Wrongdoing in Officer-Involved Shooting

V.I. Police Department Commissioner Ray Martinez was investigated for an officer-involved shooting at Hull Bay on March 5, which led to the arrest of Mohammed Salem. Following department policies, Martinez was placed on administrative leave with pay and returned to work after being cleared by a psychologist on March 9. An independent review by Effective Law Enforcement for All (ELEFA) was requested to ensure transparency and objectivity in the investigation.

ELEFA is a non-profit organization that utilizes a team of former police chiefs, law enforcement officials, and experts to promote trust and transparency between police agencies and the public. They have previously worked with police departments in New Orleans, Montgomery County, and Orlando, and have been selected to oversee a consent decree for the Minneapolis Police Department. The decision to involve ELEFA was made to ensure an impartial assessment of the incident involving Commissioner Martinez.

While the V.I. Police Department typically does not disclose the names of individuals involved in officer-involved shootings, it was deemed necessary in this case due to Martinez’s position. The department believed that transparency and independence were crucial in handling the investigation, given the Commissioner’s involvement. ELEFA will review the incident independently and provide their findings to the Office of the Governor and the police department upon completion of their investigation.

The investigation into the officer-involved shooting at Hull Bay on March 5, involving Commissioner Martinez, prompted the V.I. Police Department to take measures to ensure an impartial and transparent review. Martinez was placed on administrative leave, underwent a psychological evaluation, and returned to work after being cleared. ELEFA’s involvement was sought to provide an independent assessment of the incident and alleviate any concerns surrounding potential biases in the investigation.

Moving forward, ELEFA will conduct a thorough review of the officer-involved shooting and present their findings to the relevant authorities. By involving a third-party organization with expertise in law enforcement practices, the V.I. Police Department aims to uphold the principles of accountability and fairness in handling such sensitive matters. The commitment to transparency and independent oversight underscores the department’s dedication to ensuring trust and confidence in its operations and decision-making processes.