ACCP Conference Opens with Focus on Regional Crime and Security
May 12 2025-
The 39th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) opened at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal, today, with top law enforcement officials from across the region gathering under the theme “United in Action.”
The event marks a critical moment in the Caribbean’s ongoing efforts to combat increasingly complex security threats.
Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken, in his remarks, underscored the urgency for a united regional response to evolving and interconnected security challenges.
He highlighted that the Caribbean is now confronting a new wave of cross-border crime—more organized, more violent, and more technologically sophisticated than before.
Among the key issues raised were the growing presence of organized criminal networks that are operating in a highly coordinated and ruthless manner.
Illicit firearm trafficking is driving gang violence and youth homicides, while human trafficking—particularly involving women and children—is becoming more entrenched in various territories.
Cybercrime was also noted as a significant and growing threat, with malicious actors exploiting financial institutions, government systems, and sensitive personal data. In addition, escalating cases of gender-based and domestic violence continue to undermine the safety and security of women and families across the region.
The Commissioner further stressed that drug dependency continues to fuel criminal activity and that declining public trust in law enforcement—especially among youth—poses a serious challenge.
As criminal networks collaborate and share intelligence across borders, the region’s response must be equally coordinated.
To effectively confront these threats, the Commissioner called for a regional shift toward real-time intelligence sharing, enhanced surveillance, joint task forces, and the standardization of protocols and training across agencies, including police, customs, financial intelligence units, and social services.
Equally important, the call was made to return to people-centered policing. Community trust, officials noted, is not merely a byproduct of law enforcement—it is the foundation of effective security. Youth engagement, victim support, and violence prevention strategies must become core components of national and regional security agendas.
The opening ceremony set a tone of urgency and collaboration, with the expectation that this year’s ACCP conference will go beyond discussions to yield measurable progress in the collective fight against crime in the Caribbean.
