Commissioner Rodney Expresses Concern Over Rising Youth Involvement in Crime
Commissioner of Police Atlee Rodney has raised alarm over the increasing involvement of young people in criminal activities in Antigua and Barbuda, calling it a troubling trend that demands immediate attention.
Speaking on Radio yesterday, Commissioner Rodney highlighted the growing number of youths, some as young as 14, who are engaging in serious crimes, marking a shift in the island’s criminal landscape.
“We’ve seen a disturbing rise in the number of younger individuals involved in criminal activities,” Rodney stated.
“This isn’t just a problem for law enforcement—it’s a societal issue that we all need to address together. When we look at the data, it’s clear that we’re dealing with a new generation of offenders, many of whom are still in their teens.”
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Commissioner Rodney pointed out that while traditionally, the focus of police efforts has been on hardened, career criminals, there is now an urgent need to address the root causes driving young people towards crime.
“In the past, we knew who the repeat offenders were, and many of them are either behind bars or under constant surveillance. But now, we’re seeing a younger demographic stepping into their place, and that’s deeply concerning.”
The Commissioner also linked this rise in youth crime to several factors, including economic pressures, lack of opportunities, and the influence of social media, which often glamorizes criminal behavior.
“Young people are facing different challenges today, and unfortunately, some are turning to crime as an escape or a means of survival. We need to work on creating better opportunities and positive outlets for them.”
In response to this emerging challenge, Rodney assured that the police force is adapting its strategies to not only catch offenders but also to prevent young people from getting involved in criminal activities in the first place.
“Our approach can’t just be reactive; it has to be proactive. We’re increasing our community outreach programs, working closely with schools, and partnering with social services to identify at-risk youth before they make that wrong turn.”
Rodney emphasized that addressing youth crime requires a collaborative effort between law enforcement, community leaders, educators, and parents. He called on all sectors of society to play a part in steering young people away from the path of crime.
“This isn’t something the police can solve alone. We need the entire community to step up—families, schools, and social services must all be part of the solution.”
The Commissioner also noted that while increased patrols and police visibility are part of the strategy to curb crime, the force is also focusing on intelligence-led operations to dismantle networks that recruit young people into criminal activities.
“We are not only targeting the young offenders but also those who are exploiting them for criminal gain. We’re committed to disrupting these networks and ensuring that our youth have a chance at a better future.”
Rodney urged the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activities involving young people. “We must all be guardians of our youth. If you see something, say something. Early intervention can make all the difference.”
As Antigua and Barbuda grapples with this worrying trend, the Commissioner’s message is clear: tackling youth involvement in crime is not just a policing issue—it’s a community responsibility.
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I must applaud you Mr Commissioner for taking young people into training who do not have the required CXC for training into the Police force. As long as they have the knowledge to read and write they can be trained into excellent law enforcement Officers who will do the job and stay in the Force to help fight crime as well as being in meaningful employment. That was one of the best thing that was done. Let’s continue to find ways to mould them. Thank you Mr. Commissioner and please continue to engage the public. Good job so far. Keep it up.
The Commissioner is correct in that the criminal demographic has shifted and we are seeing record number of teens and young adults committing crimes these days. This is not limited to Antigua and Barbuda alone but is a Caribbean wide phenomenon.
The Commissioner was spot on in saying that the rise in youth crimes is linked to several factors, chief among them are economic pressures, lack of opportunities and the influence of Social Media. I totally agree!
So whilst the Government continues to tout the country’s economic boom, this boom is not seen and felt by a large cross section of our citizens. Many young people are out there, idle and unable to find meaningful work to do. The devil will find work for idle hands.
I am once again calling on the government to get our young people involved in mandatory national service where they can learn a trade or skill. If we don’t then we will see even more teen involvement in criminal activities.
Continued touting of the country’s strong economic position when only those at the very top of the ladder is feeling it really amounts to nothing.
Several items: 1. It all starts with parental supervision and the support of children throughout their school years, including technical education into HVAC, auto repair, electrictricians, plumbers, welders etc…
2. What about the minimum wage? With the prices of foodstuffs how in the name of Sam Hill is a blue collar family supposed to survive except through 2 jobs for parents? That leads to a lack of parental supervision which leads to kids in the streets where they can be recruited into the criminal element. If somone has a better idea, please reach out at [email protected] . I don’t claim to have all of the answers, but, I would like to see your wonderful island gain economic strength that includes the ENTIRE citizenship.
One word “PARENTS”
Economic pressure and lack of opportunity have nothing to do with this, not even single parenting since single parenting no just come in. It’s all about YouTube and the social media platforms on a whole, it’s the popularity of the spliff and no regulations, it’s all about the want a be’s, no ambition, laziness, easy access to guns, foreigners showing the Wadadli man who a de real Badman and the Wadadli man saying you na go come yah on my turf an badder than me, then the music and lyrics which is the biggest influence, 1735 that they complain about constantly but as we can see not a big deterrent, a hotel to some since it’s so easy to get a reservation and last the court system and you Mr Commissioner and your force not being more active and tough enough.
Mr. Commissioner I will give you an A+ for eloquent speeches when you have your public interviews however I am waiting to hear that assertiveness from you to let the criminals know that you are upset with what these criminals are doing and you are sending a strong message that war has now been declared between the police force, the army & the criminals.
Once a fringe activity among misguided men, – young and old – and the odd female maverick, marijuana smoking has become a national pastime. Marijuana itself is now in such heavy demand it has become a currency among masses of people who would traditionally have looked down their noses at those who would even suggest that they indulge.
The number of boys and girls not going to or not doing anything in school has rocketed upward in recent years because their priorities have shifted.
Additionally and with the forgoing points attendant, this love affair that the partying or feting public has with alcohol abuse fuels the conflagration with which the nation is grappling.
People always have passions. Without disciplined channeling, the baser activities in society will always be most attractive. Stop making it so easy for indisciplined adults and children, politician and peace officers to default to vices and endanger our whole society.
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