The Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD), under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner of Operations Celwin Walwyn, Ph.D., brings M.A.G.I.C to the territory. The M.A.G.I.C program stands for Mentoring. Advising. Guiding. Instructing. Children.
This 10-week program focuses on 5th grade students, and it is designed to provide them with the tools necessary to understand the dangers of drugs use and issues pertaining to bullying, violence, internet use and gang involvement. The central focus of this program identifies at every stage in the lessons the importance of positive decision making.
This initiative is in collaboration with the Orange County Sheriff Department, Orlando, Fla., and Orange County Sheriff Department’s Lt. Sean McCormack who conducted the training.
Dr. Walwyn said, “The best chances for success for children requires the involvement of the parents/guardians, educators and the community as a whole.”
The school resource officers and the juvenile divisions in both districts receive training by the VIPD and are certified as instructors; they will be intricately involved in training other officers, teachers and parents in the territory.
The program has contributed to a significant drop in juvenile crime in Orange County, Fla., where the program originated.
Walwyn served as police commissioner on St. Kitts and introduced the program there. It resulted in a drastic reduction in juvenile crimes there.
