In a significant move to enhance national security capabilities, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has strategically expanded its K-9 Unit with four additional trained dogs. This development forms a crucial component of the Force’s comprehensive modernization initiative aimed at addressing evolving criminal threats through advanced policing methods.
Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers formally announced this tactical enhancement during his year-end address to personnel, detailing the Force’s progressive developments throughout 2025. The expansion specifically addresses growing concerns regarding sophisticated criminal operations, including illicit firearm distribution, narcotics trafficking, and cross-border criminal activities.
The newly augmented K-9 Unit has already demonstrated operational effectiveness through coordinated missions with the Narcotics Department and allied law enforcement agencies. These collaborative efforts have yielded substantial seizures of controlled substances, illegal weapons, and ammunition throughout the current year.
This strategic investment aligns with the Force’s commitment to intelligence-led policing methodologies that prioritize preventive measures and data-driven decision making. The enhanced capabilities are expected to improve operational response efficiency, increase crime detection rates, and strengthen overall public security infrastructure.
Commissioner Jeffers emphasized that these specialized upgrades ensure officers possess the necessary resources to confront escalating security challenges, particularly as the nation prepares for increased security demands anticipated in 2026. The K-9 Unit expansion represents a proactive approach to maintaining law enforcement readiness in the face of complex contemporary security threats.