Antigua and Barbuda expands armed patrols to combat crime

Antigua and Barbuda is expanding its armed law enforcement presence to combat rising concerns over gun crime, robberies, and repeat offending. Prime Minister Gaston Browne has instructed the Police Commissioner and the Chief of Defence Staff to deploy Defence Force personnel alongside police officers for increased patrols in communities and strategic locations.

Browne emphasized the need for officers to be properly equipped to face criminals using high-powered weapons, while noting that the use of force must remain necessary and proportionate. To assist in the fight against illegal firearms, the government is offering rewards of up to EC$5,000 through Crime Stoppers for information leading to the recovery of weapons, even if a conviction is not secured.

Public questions have been raised regarding the effectiveness of current police strategies, specifically concerning preventative measures, intelligence-led policing, and the adequacy of resources such as manpower, vehicles, and technology. There are growing calls for authorities to improve communication regarding crime trends and to enhance the monitoring of former offenders to prevent recidivism.