Antigua’s Forensic Unit Charts Course for Modernisation with Fingerprint Upgrade and National Data System

Antigua and Barbuda’s capacity to solve crimes is about to get significantly sharper. The director of the Crime Scene and Evidence Recovery Unit (CERU) has outlined an ambitious modernisation agenda that includes a fingerprint technology upgrade, the development of a national criminal database, and the full commissioning of a forensic laboratory — moves that signal a new chapter in the country’s approach to criminal investigation.

CERU Director LaToya Lake-Marshall made the disclosures in an interview with Observer Media, outlining ongoing investments in forensic technology, data systems, and laboratory development.

The fingerprint upgrade is already in the pipeline and will form part of a broader modernisation push that includes new legislation to support expanded forensic use and data management. “We had it before, and now I’m upgrading it, and that has to do with fingerprints,” she said. “I am an advocate, but I will start pushing for certain policies through the government legislation when it comes to fingerprints.”

Ballistics, Databases and a Coming Forensic Lab

Lake-Marshall’s comments come shortly after the handover of the IBIS BRASSTRAX ballistic identification system, delivered through US-funded support and facilitated by CARICOM IMPACS, which connects Antigua and Barbuda to a regional firearms tracing network.

She also confirmed that work is underway to establish a national criminal database modelled on systems such as the United States’ CODIS system, while a forensic laboratory is being brought fully on stream. “The forensic lab is coming up. They’re being trained. We are equipped,” she said, adding that the Crime Scene Unit and forensic lab leadership are working closely to ensure coordinated operations.

She stopped short of saying fingerprint legislation is imminent, stressing instead that her role is to advocate for the necessary policy framework rather than announce formal government action.

A Unit Restructured and Refocused

Lake-Marshall, who previously served as Forensic Director in St. Kitts and Nevis for more than seven years, said her return to Antigua and Barbuda reflects a continuation of the technological and institutional reforms she pursued in that jurisdiction.

She acknowledged that CERU had recently undergone a period of internal review and restructuring, which contributed to limited public communication. However, she said the process was intentional and aimed at strengthening operational capacity. A comprehensive departmental review was completed in consultation with the Commissioner of Police, and the unit is now transitioning toward full integration of new forensic technologies.

CERU now includes both certified civilians and sworn officers, forming what she described as a balanced team positioned to meet the growing demands of modern forensic investigation.

Transparency as a Crime Deterrent

Lake-Marshall was deliberate in her message to the public, framing openness about the unit’s capabilities as itself a tool for crime prevention.

“Keeping the public abreast as to what we have in store also works as a deterrent,” she said. “So I just want to assure the public that we are working and we are moving with technology.”

The developments come at a time of growing public concern over crime in Antigua and Barbuda, and the expanded forensic capabilities will be closely watched as a potential turning point in the nation’s ability to investigate, prosecute, and ultimately reduce serious criminal activity.