Parliamentary Select Committee Reviews Police Bill 2025 Amidst Reform Calls

A Parliamentary Select Committee met to review the proposed Police Bill 2025, focusing on creating robust legislation to avoid legal challenges.

Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin emphasized the need to eliminate loopholes that defense attorneys could exploit.

The committee discussed various aspects, including the potential renaming of the Royal Police Force to the Antigua and Barbuda Police Service, with some advocating for the change while legal advisors warned of constitutional implications.

Debates also arose regarding search procedures, the authority of police officers in filing charges, and the ex-officio Justice of the Peace powers of senior officers.

Concerns about the mandatory collection of photographs and fingerprints were raised, noting that it should apply only to indictable offenses.

Additionally, jurisdictional issues between the police and the new Forensic Services department were highlighted, focusing on maintaining the chain of custody for evidence.

The committee also considered establishing a police youth club for community engagement and noted the Fire Chief’s interest in creating a Fire Cadet Corps to attract youth to the fire brigade.

The committee adjourned until March 27 for further consultations on resolving overlaps between the related Bills.