Today, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda joins law enforcement agencies around the world in observing the United Nations International Day of Police Cooperation, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in protecting communities, supporting victims and strengthening public safety.
This year’s observance is being held under the theme, “Protecting against Vulnerability, Building Trust and Legitimacy in Policing.” The theme places particular emphasis on protecting persons who are most vulnerable to crime, while strengthening the trust, accountability and legitimacy that are fundamental to effective policing.
For Antigua and Barbuda, international police cooperation continues to play an important role in addressing crimes that extend beyond our national borders. Through collaboration with INTERPOL, regional security agencies, and other international law enforcement partners, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda is better positioned to share intelligence, locate wanted persons, investigate transnational criminal activity, combat cyber-enabled crime, trace illicit firearms and drugs, and support investigations across jurisdictions.
Such cooperation also provides access to specialized expertise, training, technology, databases and investigative resources that enhance the Force’s ability to prevent, detect and investigate crime.
The impact of these partnerships extends far beyond law enforcement operations. They contribute directly to the protection of victims, the disruption of organized criminal networks, the recovery of stolen property, the apprehension of fugitives, and the overall safety and security of the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
Commissioner of Police, Mr. Everton Jeffers, underscored the importance of maintaining strong relationships with regional and international policing partners. He said, “Crime recognizes no geographical boundary, and neither can our determination to confront it. International police cooperation gives us the ability to combine our intelligence, expertise and resources with those of trusted partners around the world to protect our people and bring offenders to justice.
At the same time, our effectiveness as a police organization must always be grounded in the trust and confidence of the people we serve. We will therefore continue to strengthen our partnerships at home, across the region and internationally, while policing with integrity, professionalism, fairness and respect for all.”
Commissioner Jeffers further acknowledged the dedication of police officers and other law enforcement professionals who work daily with international partners to exchange information, coordinate investigations and support operations aimed at making communities safer. International police cooperation remains a vital component of modern policing.
INTERPOL currently connects law enforcement across 196 member countries, allowing information shared in one jurisdiction to assist investigations and operational activities elsewhere.
As policing organizations worldwide commemorate the 2026 International Day of Police Cooperation, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda reaffirms its commitment to strengthening relationships with INTERPOL and other regional and international law enforcement partners.
The Force also recommits itself to protecting the vulnerable, building public trust, upholding the rule of law, and working collaboratively with local communities and international partners to confront emerging security threats and build a safer and more secure Antigua and Barbuda.
The observance recognizes the essential contribution of international law enforcement cooperation to global peace, security and justice. The International Day of Police Cooperation is observed annually on September 7 and was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2022.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda Police Strengthen INTERPOL Ties to Combat Cross-Border Crime.