Antigua and Barbuda's Crime Scene and Evidence Recovery Unit (CERU) is preparing a fingerprint technology upgrade as part of a broader push to strengthen the country's forensic capabilities, according to Antigua.news, which interviewed CERU Director LaToya Lake-Marshall.
Lake-Marshall, who leads CERU within the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, outlined ongoing investments in forensic technology, data systems, and laboratory development. She confirmed that the fingerprint upgrade is already in the pipeline and will be accompanied by new legislation to support expanded forensic use and data management.
"We had it before, and now I'm upgrading it, and that has to do with fingerprints," she said. "I am an advocate, but I will start pushing for certain policies through the government legislation when it comes to fingerprints."
Her remarks follow the recent handover of the IBIS BRASSTRAX ballistic identification system, delivered through US-funded support and facilitated by CARICOM IMPACS. The system connects Antigua and Barbuda to a regional firearms tracing network.
Lake-Marshall also confirmed that work is underway to establish a national criminal database modelled on systems such as the United States' CODIS system, while a forensic laboratory is being brought fully on stream.
"The forensic lab is coming up. They're being trained. We are equipped," she said, adding that the Crime Scene Unit and forensic lab leadership are working closely to ensure coordinated operations.
She stopped short of declaring fingerprint legislation imminent, stressing that her role is to advocate for the necessary policy framework rather than to announce formal government action.
Lake-Marshall previously served as Forensic Director in St. Kitts and Nevis for more than seven years. She said her return to Antigua and Barbuda represents a continuation of the technological and institutional reforms she pursued in that jurisdiction.
She acknowledged that CERU had recently undergone a period of internal review and restructuring, which contributed to limited public communication. She described the process as intentional and aimed at strengthening operational capacity rather than signalling inactivity.
A comprehensive departmental review was completed in consultation with the Commissioner of Police, and the unit is now transitioning toward full integration of new forensic technologies, as reported by Antigua.news.
Lake-Marshall pledged to keep the public informed as developments unfold, framing transparency as both an accountability measure and a deterrent to crime.
"Keeping the public abreast as to what we have in store also works as a deterrent," she said. "So I just want to assure the public that we are working and we are moving with technology."
She further noted that CERU now comprises both certified civilians and sworn officers, forming what she described as a balanced team equipped to meet the growing demands of modern forensic investigation.
