The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda was founded on 27 February, 1967. The force’s motto is Fidelitas et Devinctus, which is Latin for “Fidelity and Devotion”. The force embodies a commitment to excellence in serving and protecting the nation. With a rich heritage and a steadfast dedication to upholding law and order, the force actively encourages individuals to join its ranks, inviting them to embrace a noble calling of service to their country. Through rigorous training and a strong emphasis on integrity, the force instills in its recruits a sense of pride and dignity in their roles as guardians of the community. By fostering a culture of professionalism and accountability, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda continues to attract individuals who are driven by a desire to make a positive impact and uphold the principles of justice and security for all citizens The force’s origins can be traced back to 1623, when Sir Thomas Warner, a British colonizer, established a settlement on the island. He also introduced a policing system called the “Night Watch”, which required property owners to take turns serving as night watchmen in their communities. In 1871, the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, Dominica, Montserrat and the British Virgin Islands were united to form the Leeward Islands Federation. The Leeward Islands Police Force was established in 1874.

M.L Barrow ESQ. Q.P.M, C.P.M

9th Chief of Police (1968 – 1971)

S.H Brookes ESQ., C.P.M

10th Chief of Police (1972 – 1974)

W.F George ESQ., C.V.O, Q.P.M

1st Commissioner of Police (1974 – 1990)

E.K Potter ESQ., Q.P.M, C.P.M

2nd Commissioner of Police (1990 – 1995)

A.C Goodwin ESQ., Q.P.M, C.P.M

3rd Commissioner of Police (1995 – 1999)

T.O.M Smith Q.P.M

4th Commissioner of Police (1999 – 2003)

E.W. Martin ESQ., Q.P.M

5th Commissioner of Police ((2003 – 2005)

D.A.M Christopher Miss Q.P.M (1st female Commissioner of Police)

6th Commissioner of Police (2005 – 2008)

T.M Bennett ESQ.

7th Commissioner of Police (2008 – 2010)

V.B Browne ESQ.

8th Commissioner of Police (2010 – 2016)

W.G. Robinson ESQ.

9th Commissioner of Police (2016 – 2019)

A.P Rodney ESQ., Q.P.M, BSC

10th Commissioner of Police (2019 – Present)

While the official sources state he is the Commissioner, recent news from March 2025 indicates he may be transitioning to a role at the Regional Security System (RSS) and that a new acting commissioner has been appointed.

The Fire Brigade started after sometime in the 1950’s where it was of such that the Public Works Department was responsible for a group of men in the Water Division drawn by a carriage with a pump to respond to fire related incidents. Hence the reason they were referred to as Water Works. Then somewhere about 1957 the Brigade became a disciplinary body where it was governed by the Act of 1957 that allowed the Governor General to appoint senior police officers to be in charge of the Fire Brigade. The headquarters for this organization was stationed between High and Long Street which was referred to as Telephone Exchange. It was up until 1960 that the St. John’s Fire Station was constructed and the then operation moved from High and Long Street to Factory Road which now houses the Fire Brigade Headquarters. The Administration of the Fire Brigade has seen a number of changes within the last 60 years. For instance, the Officer in charge of the Department could have only risen to the rank of Assistant Superintendent. That has changed and has now gone to the rank of an Assistant Commissioner with Mr. Malcolm A. Nicholas being the first Assistant Commissioner to head the Fire Department, the next in rank was one Superintendent of Police. With the expansion of the establishment in 1990’s, the department now has two superintendents who support the Assistant Commissioner, one responsible for administration and the other responsible for operations, five assistant superintendents and six inspectors. These make up the senior administration of the Fire Department. The present head of the Fire Department is Assistant Commissioner of Police Mr. Vivian Parker.