The Antigua and Barbuda government has approved the digitisation of the records-management system within the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda as part of wider efforts to strengthen criminal investigations and prosecutions.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant announced the decision during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing following Cabinet’s meeting on Wednesday.
The new system is expected to improve how police records are stored, retrieved, duplicated and managed. It will cover both physical documents and electronic records held by the police force.
Merchant said the initiative should allow investigators and prosecutors to access relevant information more quickly when preparing and pursuing criminal cases.
Timely access to police records can play an important role throughout an investigation, particularly when officers and prosecutors need to review reports, evidence and other information connected to a case.
The digitisation programme forms part of the Antigua and Barbuda government’s broader effort to modernise law enforcement and improve the country’s response to crime and violence.
Cabinet held extensive discussions this week on measures to strengthen the criminal justice system, examining areas including law enforcement capacity, prosecutions, sentencing and prison administration.
The government has also committed additional resources to expanding the use of technology in crime-fighting. These investments include surveillance cameras, drones, vehicles and other equipment for law enforcement agencies.
Cabinet said improvements must be made throughout the criminal justice process, rather than focusing exclusively on policing or sentencing.
The proposed police records-management system is expected to support that approach by improving the flow of information between investigators and prosecutors and reducing delays in accessing material required for criminal cases.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda Police Records to Be Digitised to Support Criminal Investigations.