Police Seek Help From Telecommunication Companies To Solve Crimes

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda is asking for assistance from telecommunication companies towards the solving of crimes in the country. According to Maurice Merchant, the Director General of Communication in the Prime Minister’s Office, the police are of the opinion that telecommunications providers have the potential to contribute more in their support.

“That was a matter that was discussed with the honorable Attorney General and his legal team there, to look at how best to convince, or to encourage – to persuade – telecommunication providers to provide necessary information to the police to aid them in their crime fighting efforts”, Merchant explained.

Mr. Merchant acknowledged the delicate nature of this request, as telecommunication providers have a responsibility to maintain a certain level of privacy for their customers.

“It is an area that all parties tread lightly, because the issue of privacy comes into play”, said the Director General. “That’s why the police always encourage the general public to volunteer, to volunteer information in helping them to solve crimes.”

The discussions about enhancing the crime-fighting capabilities of the Police Force come at a time when law enforcement is facing public scrutiny due to controversial police actions and a recent spate of violent robberies.

To effectively address criminal incidents, the police depend on valuable information that aids in their efforts, and they regularly promote cooperation from community members to help bring cases to a close. This information is so critical it seems, that it has become necessary to acquire it by alternative means.

As Merchant explains, “If persons do not voluntarily provide information, there must be some means of getting that information.”