Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin has urged Antiguans and Barbudans to take a more active role in crime prevention, calling on residents to report criminal activity and partner with law enforcement to keep their communities safe.
According to Antigua News Room, Benjamin made the appeal during the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda's 50th Recruit Training Course graduation ceremony on Thursday, where he stressed that fighting crime cannot be left to police alone.
Benjamin encouraged residents to embrace a "see something, say something" approach, arguing that timely information from the public empowers officers to prevent crimes, apprehend offenders and strengthen overall public safety.
Effective policing, he said, depends on trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. He urged residents to feel confident in coming forward with information that could assist investigations or head off criminal activity before it occurs.
The Attorney General framed public safety as a shared responsibility, warning that silence in the face of wrongdoing only undermines community well-being. He described active civic involvement as one of the most powerful tools available in the fight against crime.
His remarks came as the government continues to invest in the Royal Police Force through improved training, technology and infrastructure, while also working to deepen partnerships between officers and the communities they police.
Turning his attention to the graduating recruits, Benjamin reminded the new officers that earning public trust will demand professionalism, integrity and consistent respect in every interaction they have on the job.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the force, with dozens of new officers taking the oath to serve and protect Antigua and Barbuda upon completing the 50th recruit training course.
