Police Chief Urges Public To Break Silence

By Kisean Joseph

kisean.joseph@antiguaobserver.com

Antigua and Barbuda’s Commissioner of Police is urging residents to report criminal activity through any trusted channel available to them, warning that silence is among the greatest obstacles to fighting crime.

Commissioner Everton Jeffers made the appeal during a recent interview, stressing that tackling crime is a community responsibility not one that rests with the police alone. He said information passed through a pastor, a government minister, or any reliable individual is just as valuable as a direct report to officers.

“What I would like to say to the general public is that crime is all about business, not just the police business,” Jeffers said. “When you see something, what we’re asking you to do, even if you want to remain anonymous, call someone that you can trust, pass the information on to them, because this will help us to get a criminal off of the street.”

The Commissioner acknowledged that trust remains a barrier for some members of the public, but said anonymity need not prevent anyone from coming forward.

“If there’s a problem, find your pastor, find a government minister, find somebody that you can trust, pass the information on to them,” he said. “There are a number of officers that you can trust, but if you really don’t want to deal with the officers, find somebody that you can trust and let them know this is what I saw, this is what happened  and we will be able to use that information and get some of these criminals off the street.”

Jeffers also issued a warning to those who choose to stay silent, saying the consequences can strike closer to home than many expect. He noted that by the time a witness is ready to speak, a suspect may have already fled the country.

The Commissioner expressed particular concern for a trend he said weighs on him personally, i.e. the growing number of young men becoming involved in crime. He said mid-year statistics expected to be released in the coming weeks will reveal the age profile of those responsible for most criminal activity in Antigua and cautioned the public not to be surprised by what the numbers show.

“How come so many of our young men are becoming involved in crime? That is a concern,” Jeffers said.

He closed with a direct appeal for community solidarity, calling on residents to stand with law enforcement against criminal elements.

“Support the police, let us work together as a team, and let the criminal know that they’re not going to get away with what they’re doing,” he said.