Open Letter to the Commissioner of Police

Dear Commissioner of Police Jeffers,

Allow me first to congratulate you on your recent appointment as Commissioner of Police. Your leadership has already made a noticeable impact, particularly with the recent crackdown on crime across the country. It is evident that your efforts are beginning to restore a sense of security and public confidence, and I applaud the positive steps taken thus far in what is undoubtedly a challenging role.

As a senior professional in the service industry with several businesses and decades of experience and scores certifications in service excellence, I feel compelled to openly address the unprofessional conduct of not all, but far too many of our police officers. Their customer service skills are seriously lacking. Many officers behave in an uncouth manner and carry themselves with a false sense of superiority that they exhibit far too comfortably.

Before I continue, I want to commend the officers with whom I have worked and who have consistently displayed professionalism. I also offer my deep appreciation to those who go out daily and risk their lives for the safety of strangers. They deserve every accolade and word of praise.

The mission of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda is:
“To maintain a professional police organization committed to the maintenance of law and order, the protection of life and property, the prevention and detection of crime, and the preservation of peace, by building stronger linkages between the police and the community through community-based policing and problem solving.”

That said, I frequently find myself revisiting the mission and vision of our constabulary, especially given my recurring engagements with the force. Over the years, I’ve had ample opportunity to observe the behavior of numerous officers, and I have reached my tipping point.

There are several glaring issues that require urgent attention:

1. Lack of basic customer service skills. Officers often raise their voices and speak in a condescending tone, as if addressing a child—completely unprovoked.
2. Double standards in behavior. When interacting with me or other business associates, officers usually attempt to act professionally, likely because they recognize us as the business owners who specifically requested and paid for their services. However, their behavior toward my staff and customers is often markedly different and deeply disappointing. When they’re not being rude, they’re being lazy, or worse, engaging in inappropriate flirtation with younger female staff who are clearly uncomfortable.
3. A culture of solicitation. Commissioner, I must urge you to address the pervasive “beggy beggy” and “grabalicious” culture. It is highly unprofessional for officers—once hired to perform specific duties—to shamelessly beg or help themselves to items depending on the nature of the assignment. Some even go as far as collecting staff phone numbers to continue their solicitations electronically. This is wholly unacceptable.

If the police force truly aims to preserve peace and build stronger linkages with the community, these issues must be addressed as a matter of urgency. Strong relationships cannot be built without the necessary intangible assets, namely soft skills and sound professional ethics, that shape the image and conduct of the force.

I implore you, as a man of God and as the head of our domestic law enforcement agency, to prioritize these matters and work to restore the trust, confidence, and respect that citizens once had in the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda.

Respectfully,

Proud Citizen of Antigua and Barbuda

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