At the Sir Wright F. George Police Academy’s graduation ceremony for its milestone 50th Recruit Training Course, Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda Commissioner Everton Jeffers made a key announcement: recruitment for the force’s next incoming class of officers is already officially open, and he is calling on public-spirited citizens across the nation to step forward and apply.
The event marked a major milestone for the local police training system, as 43 dedicated recruits successfully completed the rigorous six-month training curriculum and were formally sworn into the force. This graduating cohort achieved an impressive overall pass rate of 95.6 percent, a result that reflects the high standards of the academy’s training programs.
As the newly minted officers prepare to begin their frontline careers serving communities across Antigua and Barbuda, Jeffers emphasized that the force is already planning ahead for its next generation of law enforcement professionals. “As we continue to refine and improve our public safety services, we are already looking forward to our next graduation of officers, now that the recruitment process has kicked off,” Jeffers stated during his address to the graduating class. “We have always sought outstanding men and women who feel a genuine calling to serve their country.”
The commissioner outlined the core qualities the force prioritizes in new applicants, stressing that modern policing is a mission of public service, not just a traditional nine-to-five job. “As your Commissioner, I want to make this clear: policing is far more than an eight-hour shift. It is not a role for people who only count down the clock to the end of their workday or those who are only here for a paycheck,” Jeffers told the graduates. “Today, you are not just walking away with a certificate of course completion. You are accepting a sacred responsibility placed in your hands by the public.”
New recruits must be prepared to uphold the highest professional ethical standards at all times, Jeffers explained, and work consistently to earn and retain the trust of the communities they serve. “We need people who have the inherent qualities to excel as police officers: dependable, respectful, polite, and empathetic to the needs of all community members,” he said. He added that officers must also be able to maintain calm and professional composure in high-pressure situations, acting as respectful ambassadors for the force even when facing adversity. The attitude and conduct of serving officers, he noted, should always reflect the rigorous, high-quality training they received at the police academy.
Beyond attracting the right candidates, Jeffers highlighted the ongoing modernization efforts underway across the Royal Police Force. The organization is investing heavily in updated infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and specialized training to boost its operational capacity. Key upgrades include expanding specialized K-9 units trained to detect firearms, explosives, and illegal narcotics; acquiring a modern ballistic identification system to support criminal investigations; and delivering advanced training in areas including radio communications, unmanned aerial system operations, and white-collar crime investigation.
While these technological and operational advances are critical to improving public safety outcomes, Jeffers emphasized that the force’s long-term success ultimately depends on the quality and commitment of its people. The force will only thrive if it continues to attract candidates dedicated to serving Antigua and Barbuda with unwavering integrity and professional conduct.
“We will keep pushing for excellence in every aspect of our work, every step of the way,” Jeffers said. “Our core goal is to remain an inclusive organization that works hand-in-hand with the public and the communities we are sworn to protect.”