Unauthorized Gov't Vehicle Use is "Out of Control"; Lawmakers Demand Enforcement, Consequences for Violators

“Twenty-four-seven, you're seeing government vehicles on the road… It’s literally a free-for-all now in terms of government vehicles,” said Senator Kurt Vialet on Monday, as members of the Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection discussed ongoing concerns regarding the misuse of government assets.

Officials from the V.I. Department of Property and Procurement (DPP) were questioned on the enforcement timeline for a newly developed vehicle-use policy, which remains under review by the Department of Personnel and various unions. In the meantime, DPP Commissioner Lisa Alejandro explained, “We are utilizing the GPS tracking system and providing training to agencies to monitor employees' usage of government vehicles.”

To address concerns in the short term, the Division of Personnel (DPP) has mandated agencies to submit reports listing all government vehicles, their status, and whether they are authorized for 24-hour use. DPP Director Cindy Alejandro noted that she has collaborated with the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) to stop vehicles that are not on the official list. However, when questioned by Senator Novelle Francis, she acknowledged, “I have not been notified” of any government vehicles being stopped for improper use.

Recalling past enforcement efforts, Senator Francis expressed concern: “As police chief and police commissioner, we had many reports back when enforcement was active.”