Press Releases

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland 

August 6, 2025                                                    202-808-6129 

PRESS RELEASE 

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CONGRATULATES NEW VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE CHIEFS ON HISTORIC SWEARING-IN CEREMONY 

U.S. Virgin Islands — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett today congratulated Deborah L. Hodge and Uston A. Cornelius on their swearing-in as Police Chiefs of the St. Thomas/St. John District and the St. Croix District of the Virgin Islands Police Department, respectively. 

Chief Hodge brings 29 years of law enforcement experience, and makes history as the first woman in the Virgin Islands to serve as Chief of Police. Chief Hodge holds advanced degrees in Criminal Justice and Forensic Psychology and has served as a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified instructor and Commander of both the Criminal Investigations and Economic Crime Units.  

Chief Cornelius brings decades of experience, marked by exceptional leadership and strategic problem-solving skills to St. Croix. "I have witnessed firsthand Chief Cornelius’ professionalism and ability to manage complex security operations during his tenure as a Protective Agent for my congressional office," said Congresswoman Plaskett. 

"I am confident that Chiefs Hodge and Cornelius will bring innovative approaches to community policing while maintaining the highest standards of integrity. I remain committed to supporting our officers and have secured critical funding, including $3.9 million for new marine enforcement vessels to enhance drug interdiction and safety patrols in the Virgin Islands through Fiscal Year 2023 Community Project Funding. My office stands ready to support both Chiefs to ensure the Virgin Islands Police Department has every resource necessary to serve and protect," stated Congresswoman Plaskett. 

Please contact our offices for additional information: 

St. Croix Office: (340) 778-5900 St. Thomas Office: (340) 774-4408 

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