The Virgin Islands Police Department confirmed that several officers reported sick on Sunday, forcing a shift in staffing during an already challenging stretch for the department. With some officers also out on military leave, the shortfall came as VIPD continues to respond to a series of high-profile violent crimes that have stretched resources across the territory.
In the days leading up to the shortage, police had responded to a string of serious incidents. On Wednesday, June 12, 28-year-old Shyiane Degallerie was shot and killed at Oswald Harris Court following what investigators said was a confrontation that began with a hit-and-run crash. Just two days later, on Saturday, June 14, officers were called to the Fort Mylner KFC parking lot, where 29-year-old Everton G. Ralph Jr. was found dead in the driver’s seat of an Acura after multiple shots were fired. That killing marked the territory’s 18th homicide of the year. These cases — and other violent episodes in recent weeks — have placed sustained pressure on patrol and investigative units across both districts.
To maintain coverage, VIPD activated its contingency protocols Sunday, reassigning officers from nonessential divisions to critical patrol and emergency response duties. Although the sudden spike in sick calls prompted public speculation of a possible “Blue Flu” sick-out, VIPD Communications Director Glen Dratte confirmed that all officers had returned to duty by Monday and that operations had returned to normal. The department emphasized that public safety and community visibility remained intact throughout the temporary disruption.
