Antigua and Barbuda: Data reveals 470 re-offenders, Precautional measures in action

The Police Authorities of Antigua and Barbuda revealed that the criminal data record shows that 470 criminals emerged to be re-offenders out of the total 850 individuals arrested in 2023.

The superintendent and Deputy Head of Criminal Investigations Department, Lisborn Michael stated the numbers while indicating that effective measures have been addressed to combat the issue.

He disclosed the figures during a crime forum and the announcement sparked interest among all present including government officials and law enforcement, raising concerns regarding the nation’s effective crime control measures.

Michael noted that the rise in re-offending rates could be a result of many factors including socio-economic conditions and a need to implement stronger rehabilitation programs.

He further assured that the department is considerably looking into the matter and has already started witnessing significant changes in light of the rising crime.

Atlee Rodney, one of the Police commissioners presented in the forum stated that the positive results that were extracted through the implementation of the updated policies. She stated that these law enforcement measures have witnessed a noticeable drop in the latter part of August.

“A significant improvement is being seen and that’s largely due to the arrests of several individuals involved in crime-related activities,” said the commissioner.

It was further revealed that many of them have already visited the courts and received their verdicts, while many are in the queue to get their charges soon.

Notably, the government of the Twin Island Nation has been actively engaged in surpassing the crime-related activities across the nation and has launched several initiatives in order to combat the rising issue.

He recently in an interview called for national unity while stating that crime has no face and it can affect anyone regardless of political affiliation or background.

“Whenever we have any kind of national security challenges, the country should put aside all the differences and biases because it is an issue that will affect all of us,” Browne stated.

He also disclosed that he has received many threats and his colleagues have also received the same with alarming messages that also went viral over social media.

PM Browne noted that despite these challenges and issues he remained consistent with his efforts to combat crime. “Little punky boys can never put any fear in my heart,” he declared.

The Prime Minister is notably taking the initiatives to combat crime and it has been revealed that positive results are extracted from the same. This indicates that the government’s efforts are playing a crucial role in driving the nation’s criminal activities to a distinct.