Police Dept. revising policy for body worn cameras

The V.I. Police Department is revising the policy for body-worn cameras in the wake of an independent investigation into a shooting in March by former Commissioner Ray Martinez, according to documents filed in U.S. District Court.

“As a result of the consultant’s investigation, VIPD reported that it has revised its body-worn camera (BWC) policy to ensure that officers do not intentionally obstruct BWCs or position themselves to impede the BWC’s recording of an incident,” according to a status report filed Monday by attorneys with the U.S. Justice Department. The reasons behind the changes remain unclear. In response to questions from The Daily News, Acting V.I. Police Commissioner Mario Brooks provided a written statement Tuesday, in which he said the department is unable to discuss or release any information because even though Martinez resigned in June, the case is still active.

“The integrity of the investigation is our top priority, and releasing any materials prematurely could potentially compromise the ongoing efforts to ensure a thorough and fair examination of all the facts,” Brooks wrote. “This is a particularly sensitive matter especially for the family of the victim and the perpetrator of the crime,” Brooks added, and he pledged to “provide updates as soon as it is appropriate to do so.” The shooting occurred during a manhunt for Mohammed Salem, 34, that began at around 7:40 a.m. on March 5 when police responded to a 911 call and found Salem’s father, Hakem Salem, 69, stabbed to death in the family’s St. Thomas home. Salem fled the scene and led police on a chase from Lerkenlund to Hull Bay, where he was eventually taken into custody and charged with murder.