USVI Act 8797 (RTCC)
US Virgin Islands Act 8797 — Real-Time Crime Center
US Virgin Islands · V.I. Act No. 8797 (2023); 3 V.I.C. § 263(a)
- Status
- In effect
- Took effect
- December 19, 2023
- Applies to
- Virgin Islands Police Department and any contractors operating RTCC technology
- Enforced by
- Virgin Islands Police Department
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.
Who is protected: (Public-safety purpose) USVI residents — but the law authorizes rather than restricts surveillance
Legal 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.
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | US Virgin Islands |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Strength | Limited |
| Enacted | December 19, 2023 |
| Citation | V.I. Act No. 8797 (2023); 3 V.I.C. § 263(a) |
| Private right of action | No, agency enforcement only |
| Topics | police and surveillance AI · biometric data · facial recognition · government use of AI |
| News report | Governor Bryan Acts on Bills Passed by 35th Legislature in its December 19th Session — Government of the USVI |
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