The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda is reaffirming its commitment to working with INTERPOL and other international partners to combat crime, protect vulnerable people and strengthen public safety.

The commitment comes as the Force joins law-enforcement agencies worldwide in observing the United Nations International Day of Police Cooperation on Monday, September 7.

This year’s observance is being held under the theme, “Protecting against Vulnerability, Building Trust and Legitimacy in Policing.”

The theme underscores the importance of protecting people who are particularly vulnerable to crime while promoting the trust, accountability and legitimacy required for effective policing.

Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers said strong international partnerships are essential as criminal activities increasingly extend across national borders.

“Crime recognizes no geographical boundary, and neither can our determination to confront it,” Jeffers said.

“International police cooperation gives us the ability to combine our intelligence, expertise and resources with those of trusted partners around the world to protect our people and bring offenders to justice.”

Through its collaboration with INTERPOL, regional security agencies and other international law-enforcement organisations, the Police Force can exchange intelligence, locate wanted people and support investigations spanning multiple jurisdictions.

These partnerships also strengthen efforts to investigate transnational

International cooperation gives local law-enforcement personnel access to specialised training, expertise, technology, databases and investigative resources that enhance their ability to prevent, detect and investigate crimes.

According to the Force, the benefits extend beyond police operations and directly contribute to protecting victims, dismantling organised criminal networks, recovering stolen property and apprehending fugitives.

Jeffers said that while international partnerships remain crucial, effective policing must also be rooted in the confidence of the people officers serve.

“Our effectiveness as a police organization must always be grounded in the trust and confidence of the people we serve,” he said.

“We will therefore continue to strengthen our partnerships at home, across the region and internationally, while policing with integrity, professionalism, fairness and respect for all.”

The Commissioner also recognised police officers and other law-enforcement professionals who work daily with international partners to exchange information, coordinate investigations and support security operations.

INTERPOL currently connects law-enforcement agencies across 196 member countries, allowing information provided in one jurisdiction to support investigations and operations elsewhere.

As the international observance is marked, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda says it remains committed to protecting vulnerable people, upholding the rule of law and confronting emerging security threats through collaboration with communities and international partners.

The International Day of Police Cooperation is observed annually on September 7. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2022 to recognise the contribution of international law-enforcement cooperation to global peace, security and justice.