The OTPD is governed by the Public Defender Administration Board, which consists of five (5) persons; the President of the Virgin Islands Bar Association or his designee; two (2) are appointees of the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court, one (1) whom must be a resident of the St. Thomas/St. John District and one (1) a resident of the St. Croix District; one (1) appointee of the Governor of the Virgin Islands and one (1) appointee of the President of the Virgin Islands Legislature. The terms of the members appointed by the Governor and the President of the VI Legislature are the same as the terms of the persons who appoint them. Of the two (2) members appointed by the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court, one (1) shall serve for three (3) years and one (1) shall serve for two (2) years. A vacancy on the Board is filled for the un-expired term of the vacant member.
The Board hires, and is authorized to terminate, all personnel and staff for the Office upon the recommendation of the Chief Public Defender. The Chief Public Defender is appointed for terms of three years and may be terminated only for cause during his/her term. The Board hears and decides on all complaints and grievances of employees. The Board also promulgates rules and regulations governing employee’s rights and relations. Any aggrieved employee has the right to appeal an adverse decision of the Board pursuant to Title 5, Section 1421 et seq., Virgin Islands Code. The Board also approves the annual budget for the Office.