Walwyn Named Deputy Police Chief of U.S. Virgin Islands

Keeping paradise safe – that’s the charge for Dr. Celvin Walwyn, the newly appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police for the United States Virgin Islands. Walwyn, who earned both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Bellevue University, accepted the position with the U.S. Virgin Islands in March of 2019.

Walwyn earned his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Bellevue University in 2007 and followed up with his master’s degree in Security Management in 2008. He has a number of tasks he hopes to accomplish in his new role, including reducing domestic violence, increasing traffic enforcement and education in order to reduce fatalities, increasing local recruitment in the police department, and developing leaders within the police department.

“I see these as opportunities and not challenges. I look at every perceived challenge as an opportunity to impact positive change,” Walwyn said. “I enjoy interacting with the officers who work with me. I also enjoy interacting with our community partners. The police cannot solve crime by themselves, we need the support of our community partners.”

Walwyn’s office will be on Saint Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. There is also a satellite office in Charlotte Amalie, the capitol of the islands, and he’ll also spend time in Saint Thomas and St. John’s.

Walwyn earned his Ph.D., a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Safety with a Specialization in Leadership, in 2015. His Bellevue University education left him well-prepared to tackle the rigors of a Ph.D. program, he said.

“My master’s program help instill the discipline  to manage my time, yet still hold a full time and part-time job, while being husband, father, and community service provider (police officer),” Walwyn said. “I always recommend Bellevue (University) to all I meet who are deciding to pursue higher education.”

Walwyn served as Commissioner of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force for a little over 3 ½ years (Sept. 2011 – March 2015) and has held law enforcement positions in Florida, as well. A native of Saint Christopher (Saint Kitts), Walwyn can appreciate the beauty of the Caribbean as both a native and resident and also as a visitor, having spent 25 years of his career in the United States.

“I take pictures and send them to my friends in the states to my friends,” he said. “They all want me to get a two-bedroom condo, so that can come enjoy the Caribbean.”

Walwyn has run into the occasional fellow Bellevue University alum during his time in the Caribbean.

“I have not met any here yet, but I have met them in St. Kitts in the Eastern Caribbean,” he said. I meet quite a few on WhatsApp, Twitter, and many on LinkedIn,” he said. “I have made long lasting relationships with graduates in Georgia, New York, and Texas.”