US Virgin Islands Act 8797 — Real-Time Crime Center
US Virgin Islands · V.I. Act No. 8797 (2023); 3 V.I.C. § 263(a)
USVI Act 8797 establishes a centralized Real-Time Crime Center in the VI Police Department. Statutorily authorizes gunshot detection, a surveillance camera network, automated license plate readers, and fingerprint biometrics — putting AI-adjacent surveillance tech on a legal footing rather than restricting it. $2.5M appropriated.
Technical detail
V.I. Act No. 8797 (Bill 35-0131, 35th Legislature), codified at 3 V.I.C. § 263(a), establishes a centralized Real-Time Crime Center within the V.I. Police Department; explicitly contemplates AI-adjacent surveillance — gunshot detection, surveillance cameras, ALPRs, and fingerprint biometrics. $2.5M appropriated. Sponsored by Sen. Diane Capeheart.
Who is protected: (Public-safety purpose) USVI residents — but the law authorizes rather than restricts surveillance
Who must comply: Virgin Islands Police Department and any contractors operating RTCC technology
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | US Virgin Islands |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Status | In effect |
| Protection strength | Limited protection |
| Effective date | 2023-12-19 |
| Enacted | 2023-12-19 |
| Citation | V.I. Act No. 8797 (2023); 3 V.I.C. § 263(a) |
| Enforced by | Virgin Islands Police Department |
| Private right of action | No — agency enforcement only |
| Topics | police and surveillance AI · biometric data · facial recognition · government use of AI |
| Last verified | 2026-06-21 |
| Official source | Governor Bryan Acts on Bills Passed by 35th Legislature in its December 19th Session — Government of the USVI ↗ |
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