— Prime Minister Gaston Browne says some police stations were closing their doors as early as 10 p.m., despite the government’s directive that stations operate around the clock.

Browne said he recently learned that the Grays Farm Police Station was among the facilities reportedly closing at night.

“I didn’t even know this, but I was told that they were closing up their doors at 10 o’clock and go sleep,” he said during his weekly radio programme.

The government had previously announced that all police stations should operate 24 hours a day as part of its response to violent crime. Browne’s latest comments suggest the policy may not have been fully implemented at some locations.

The prime minister said stations must remain open and officers should conduct regular surveillance rather than waiting inside police facilities for reports to be made.

“They’re supposed to be having regular surveillance, taking the fight to the criminals and making their lives uncomfortable,” he said.

Browne called for additional police officers to be deployed in areas considered crime hot spots, naming Grays Farm, Point, Villa and Green Bay. He said officers should patrol on foot and in vehicles and should be armed while carrying out those duties.

He argued that a strong and visible police presence could disrupt criminal activity before it escalates.

Browne recalled that while in opposition, he worked with police to establish surveillance near an area associated with suspected criminal activity. He said the presence of law enforcement made it more difficult for illegal activity to continue openly.

The government is also providing police with additional vehicles and plans to acquire night-vision drones within 60 days. The drones are expected to have a range of about 25 kilometres and could be operated from police stations or headquarters.

Browne did not say whether any disciplinary action would be taken over stations reportedly closing early or identify other stations that may not have complied with the 24-hour directive.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: PM Says Some Police Stations Were Closing at 10 P.M. Despite 24-Hour Directive.