Commissioner of Police Atlee Rodney said significant progress has been made in implementing new security measures, including the successful deployment of police and the establishment of a specialized guns and gang suppression unit.
The new drone program, which Rodney described as “an expensive venture”, is already yielding results. “The drones are here they have been utilised already. They have been reaping some benefits to us in terms of their capability,” Rodney said. The program includes not only the equipment but also certified training for drone pilots, conducted locally in Antigua.
The drones have already proven their worth in both investigative and preventive operations. According to Rodney, they were recently deployed in a missing person case involving “Donna Marie Christian” and have been instrumental in providing aerial surveillance during major public events.
“They were very helpful in terms of preventing matters because they would see certain things that you on the ground would not see,” Rodney said.
A new specialised guns and gang suppression unit has been established and is now operational. While currently comprising just seven officers, the unit has already made an impact. “What they have been doing has been tremendous in terms of how they have been responding to some incidents,” Rodney said, adding that “there has been some reduction in the activities of the gangs”. The unit maintains high visibility in the community, conducts stop and search operations, and has already achieved success in weapons recovery, including the recent seizure of two flare guns.
The force is also making strides in modernizing its capabilities through Artificial Intelligence training. “We have identified quite a few officers that have been receiving specialized training, especially in AI,” Rodney revealed. Currently, several officers are receiving training in Abu Dhabi, with more scheduled to attend programs in Costa Rica and Barbados.
Regarding other promised improvements, Rodney confirmed that the process for acquiring additional police dogs is underway, with a vendor identified and payment processing in progress. The force has also received specialized vehicles requested for specific units.
The planned city camera system, while not directly under police control, is being coordinated with the Ministry of Telecommunication and Information. “We have identified the areas that we would like the cameras to be installed. So, we are partnering with them,” Rodney said.
Commissioner Rodney, who serves as the President of the Association of the Caribbean Commissioners of Police, emphasized the importance of regional and international cooperation in law enforcement. He noted that these connections help facilitate training opportunities and resource sharing among agencies.
