A former Commissioner of Police is calling for a comprehensive review of the conditions under which police recruits are trained in Antigua and Barbuda, warning that several current practices are outdated and inconsistent with modern policing standards.
According to Antigua Observer, Wendell Robinson Alexander, who now works as a criminal defense attorney, made the remarks while reflecting on public complaints surrounding the training process. Alexander argued that meaningful reform is needed to bring local police training in line with contemporary standards.
His comments come as concerns about the state of recruit training have drawn increasing public attention. As reported by Antigua Observer, Alexander's position carries particular weight given his firsthand experience leading the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda.
Alexander did not mince words in his assessment, characterizing certain training practices as relics of an earlier era that no longer serve the needs of a modern police force or the communities it is meant to protect.
The call for reform highlights a broader conversation about the standards and methods used to prepare law enforcement officers for duty in Antigua and Barbuda. Advocates for change argue that how officers are trained directly shapes how they engage with the public throughout their careers.
No official response from the Royal Police Force or the Ministry responsible for national security had been issued at the time of reporting.
