Mario Brooks nominated as police commissioner, emphasizes community policing as tool to fight crime

ST. CROIX — Mario Brooks, a career police officer the governor announced today as his pick for police commissioner, emphasized his commitment to community policing, increasing officer visibility, and leveraging technology to enhance law enforcement.

Brooks, who became assistant police commissioner in 2019, highlighted the need for better community engagement to foster trust in addition to more officers on the street while sharing his priorities and management philosophy after leading the department in an acting capacity for the past four months.

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced Brooks as his nominee for police commissioner during the weekly press briefing today at Government House on St. Croix. He noted Brooks’ leadership roles in the VIPD include commander of the Criminal Intelligence Unit and special response team, along with his accomplishments in expanding marine enforcement and establishing a drone program.

“All these things demonstrate his innovative and steadfast commitment to public safety,” Bryan said. “Under his leadership, the department has already made strides in strengthening community policing and building trust between law enforcement and the community. I am confident that Commissioner Brooks will continue to drive these efforts forward, ensuring that every Virgin Islander feels safe in their home and their neighborhood.”