Police and DPP Strengthen Partnership to Improve Criminal Case Preparation

Police investigators and prosecutors in Antigua and Barbuda have completed a two-day workshop aimed at improving criminal case preparation and addressing coordination gaps that can delay investigations and prosecutions.

Held on September 14–15, the joint Police–Director of Public Prosecutions Training Workshop brought together police prosecutors, investigators and prosecutors from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Sessions focused on early consultation, the quality and completeness of case files, and the evidence needed to support successful prosecutions.

The workshop was delivered through the Partnership of the Caribbean and the European Union on Justice (PACE Justice), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the European Union.

Director of Public Prosecutions for Antigua and Barbuda, Clement Joseph, said the training highlighted the importance of involving his office earlier in criminal investigations.

“This training was timely and had a tremendous impact upon both police and prosecutors. One of the impediments of successful prosecutions is the delay in the early intervention by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. This training highlighted that gap and we left there with a stronger understanding. We are looking forward to its implementation and success.”

PACE Justice consultations across the Caribbean have identified weak coordination between police and prosecutors during the early stages of investigations as a major contributor to case delays.

Incomplete files, communication gaps and differing views on evidentiary requirements can result in cases being returned to investigators for clarification or further work, creating avoidable bottlenecks.

The training addressed these challenges through practical approaches to collaboration, common standards for case preparation and tools to help criminal matters progress more efficiently.

PACE Justice Project Lead Christalle Gemon emphasised that effective prosecutions depend on cooperation between institutions.

“Strong criminal cases depend not only on the work of individual institutions, but also on how effectively police investigators and prosecutors work together. Bringing them together for this workshop was essential for it to be successful.”

Gemon said participants also examined how the approaches presented could be adapted to Antigua and Barbuda’s justice system and sustained beyond the project.

“Through the establishment of standard operating procedures that transform how files are prepared, evaluated, and presented, our goal is to ensure that when a case reaches court, it is complete, contains sound evidence and is ready for swift and efficient prosecution.”

Facilitators included Paula V. Llewellyn, K.C., former Director of Public Prosecutions of Jamaica, who led sessions on early case consultation, “Points to Prove” frameworks and the sufficiency of evidence. A representative from Europe presented European Union best practices relating to organised crime, financial crimes and inter-agency protocols.

The workshop concluded with an interactive case-study exercise in which participants simulated early consultations between police and prosecutors on complex criminal matters.

Lessons from the training will inform wider PACE Justice work on joint Police–DPP standard operating procedures, a regional training manual and a Training-of-Trainers programme.

The initiative forms part of a regional programme also delivered in Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia to strengthen cooperation between police and prosecutors and improve the administration of criminal justice.