Police chief: International cooperation vital in fight against cross-border crime

International police cooperation is crucial to Antigua and Barbuda’s fight against cross-border crime, Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers said yesterday as the country marked the United Nations International Day of Police Cooperation.

Jeffers said the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda’s partnerships with INTERPOL and other regional and international agencies allow it to combine intelligence, expertise and resources to protect the public and bring offenders to justice.

“Crime recognises no geographical boundary, and neither can our determination to confront it,” he said.

Through these partnerships, police can share intelligence, locate wanted people, investigate transnational crime, tackle cyber-enabled offences and trace illegal firearms and drugs.

The cooperation also gives the force access to specialised training, technology, databases and investigative resources to help prevent, detect and investigate crime.

Jeffers stressed that effective policing also depends on public trust.

He said the force would continue to strengthen its partnerships locally, regionally and internationally while maintaining integrity, professionalism, fairness and respect for all.

The 2026 observance was held under the theme, “Protecting against Vulnerability, Building Trust and Legitimacy in Policing”. It focused on protecting people most at risk of crime while strengthening public confidence in the police.

The force said international cooperation also helps to protect victims, disrupt organised criminal networks, recover stolen property and apprehend fugitives.

It reaffirmed its commitment to working with international partners and local communities to confront emerging security threats and improve public safety in Antigua and Barbuda.

INTERPOL connects law enforcement agencies across 196 member countries, allowing information shared in one country to support investigations and operations in another.

The International Day of Police Cooperation is observed annually on September 7. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2022.