The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda is set to expand its public outreach through social media and community engagement, according to Director General of Communications *Maurice Merchant.
Speaking at Thursday’s post-Cabinet press briefing, Merchant said discussions are underway for the police to launch official Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger accounts as part of a renewed focus on public education and crime prevention. He explained that the initiative will allow the force to better communicate with citizens and share regular updates on its operations.
Merchant said the police are also planning to issue weekly updates through traditional and social media “on their crime-fighting efforts and on how members of the public can prevent the occurrence of crime.” He noted that this approach reflects a broader strategy to rebuild trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the community.
During the briefing, Merchant also emphasized the importance of reviving the “See Something, Say Something” campaign, urging residents to support police efforts by reporting suspicious activity. “We seem to be going first world by ‘see something, ignore everything,’” he said, adding that such attitudes do not help in the fight against crime.
He said the Cabinet has encouraged the police to strengthen community and victim support programs, and to use public education to inform citizens about legal penalties and deterrence methods.
The enhanced outreach effort comes as the government seeks to improve inter-agency coordination between the police, Customs, and Coast Guard to combat illegal firearms and other criminal activity.
