Manpower shortage prompts questions about police capacity to secure conference and the country at the same time

Preparations reportedly are fully underway for the hosting of the
Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) conference in May, with a

promise that a cadre of police officers will be specially trained to
provide high-level security.

However, it appears that there is a shortage of manpower in the
Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda.

Sources say that officers at a particular station are now working 12-
hour shifts due to the shortage of staff there.
 
Therefore, insiders are asking whether the complement of officers
required to secure such a huge event – now expected to attract
about 3,000 participants from around the globe – will be available.
 
According to this week’s Cabinet Notes, the Executive has accepted
an offer from the United States of America to train a number of
officers, whose primary function will be to provide security for the
attending heads of government and heads of state.

Reportedly, the US trainers will likely use the Sir Wright George
Academy for the exercise, the Notes say.

While officers can be shifted to ensure adequate security for the
conference, observers are concerned that the country, itself, might
be exposed to more criminal activity during this time, since the
complement of officers to man the stations would be reduced.
 
Further, they warn that working longer hours can have an adverse
effect on the general health of officers and affect their alertness.
Meanwhile, sources say that police officers are still having
challenges to access the tools required to do their jobs effectively.

The shortage of new uniforms allegedly is still a problem, with many
officers being unable to replace the old and tattered ones they have
been wearing for some time.