More than 50 students completed the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda’s END IT HOW Summer Camp this year, a youth-focused intervention programme aimed at steering young people away from crime and toward positive life choices.

The initiative, run by the Police Force’s Youth Intervention Unit in partnership with community stakeholders, was highlighted by Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers during his Christmas and end-of-year address to officers on Monday.

The programme, which concluded in September, forms part of broader efforts by police to address youth-related crime, an area of growing concern identified by the Police Administration. Commissioner Jeffers credited the Youth Intervention Unit and its partners for the programme’s success, noting that engagement, mentorship, and structured activities were key components of the camp.

Police officials view the summer camp as an important preventative tool, complementing enforcement measures with early intervention and community collaboration. The initiative reflects the Force’s wider commitment to community-oriented policing and long-term crime prevention.

The graduation of the students came amid a year in which police reported a reduction in overall crime and increased cooperation from the public, while also acknowledging the need for continued focus on at-risk youth.

Commissioner Jeffers said the Police Administration will continue working with stakeholders to expand programmes that provide young people with guidance, skills, and alternatives to criminal activity as the Force moves into 2026.