Outgoing President of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) and Commissioner of Police of Antigua and Barbuda, Atlee Rodney, has made a fervent appeal for greater regional focus on the mental health of police officers, describing it as a “hidden pandemic” within law enforcement.
Rodney issued the call during his final address as ACCP President at the opening of the 39th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the ACCP, held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Monday.
“As leaders, we must place more emphasis [on] this area (mental health) and provide the necessary support to our officers,” Rodney urged. “We in the Caribbean must address this hidden pandemic by encouraging professional assistance for our hardworking but so often stressed-out police officers.”
In his address, Rodney reflected on the association’s legacy since its founding in 1987 and commended its role in fostering regional collaboration against crime.
He also recognised the ACCP’s continued growth as an institution and thanked founding members, international partners, and outgoing executives for their efforts.
While celebrating the ACCP’s achievements, Rodney placed significant emphasis on the need to address mental health challenges, pointing to findings from the CARPHA Health Research Conference, which listed mental health as a priority issue for the region.
“Our non-action will lead to the loss of police skills, knowledge, experience, and even lives,” he cautioned. “If we truly care for the welfare of our men and women in uniform, then society as a whole will benefit from our action.”
With 25 Commissioners of Police from across the Caribbean present, Rodney encouraged a spirit of unity and shared problem-solving throughout the week-long conference.
“I urge us to connect with each other, engage in solution-driven discussions, and advance the safety and security of our communities,” he said.
Held under the theme “Uniting in Action, Transforming Purpose, Building an Integrated Caribbean Security Architecture,” the conference seeks to bolster regional security partnerships, explore contemporary crime-fighting strategies, and promote professional development in policing.
Recognising the evolving nature of security threats, Rodney highlighted the importance of regional collaboration.
“Policing is no longer local; crime knows no borders. It is through cooperation and shared purpose that we will succeed,” he stressed.
He also commended the Government and people of Guyana for their support in hosting the conference and lauded Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken and the organising team for their efforts.
Now transitioning to his new role as Deputy Executive Director of the Regional Security System (RSS), Rodney assured colleagues of his continued commitment to regional security advancement.
“I leave this role not with farewell, but with the assurance that I will continue to work alongside you for the good of the region,” he stated. “Let us make the Caribbean the best place to live, to invest, and to relax.”
