​Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Nuffield Burnette says a breakdown in trust between the public and law enforcement is making it increasingly difficult for police to gather intelligence and effectively fight crime.

Burnette, reflecting on current policing strategies, argued that law enforcement has become largely reactive rather than proactive, while losing one of the most important tools traditionally used to prevent and solve crimes, informants.

“What seemed to be the enemy of the police, now what we call cultivating informants, police seem not to have the ability to do that anymore because there is no trust,” Burnette said.

“That is one of the main pillars in policing and police crime-fighting. In my day, that was a big deal.”

According to the retired senior officer, cultivating reliable sources within communities once played a major role in helping police obtain information about criminal activity before and after offences were committed.

He believes rebuilding public confidence will be critical if law enforcement is to strengthen its intelligence-gathering capabilities and make meaningful progress in tackling crime.

Burnette also raised concerns about the movement of illegal firearms into Antigua and Barbuda, saying greater attention must be paid to the country’s ports of entry.

“Where they’re getting the guns from, we know. The guns come through the seaport and the airport,” he said.

Burnette further alleged that people considered respectable members of society are involved in the illegal importation of firearms, describing the situation as one that requires increased vigilance and surveillance.

“Some of our respectable people in society are responsible for the importation of these firearms. And it’s calling for vigilance and, of course, surveillance,” he said.

The former Assistant Commissioner said surveillance infrastructure, including the use of cameras, remains important, but stressed that technology cannot replace the relationship between police and the communities they serve.

His comments place renewed focus on public cooperation and intelligence gathering as police continue efforts to tackle firearms and other serious crimes.

For Burnette, restoring trust is not simply about improving the public image of the police. He believes it is an essential part of giving officers access to the information they need to prevent crimes, identify offenders and disrupt criminal activity before it occurs.

This article was adapted from original reporting by Kisean Joseph, Antigua Observer by Newsco.