After 43 years of service, Commissioner of Police Atlee Rodney is preparing to retire from the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda.

Rodney, who has led the force since 2019, will transition into a senior role as Deputy Executive Director of the Regional Security System (RSS) after completing his vacation and pre-retirement leave. In his new position, he will oversee security operations across eight member states, continuing Antigua and Barbuda’s long-standing commitment to regional safety.

The RSS, established in 1982 with Antigua and Barbuda as a founding signatory, has played a pivotal role in security training and rapid-response deployments across the region. Having worked closely with the organization throughout his career, Rodney expressed both excitement and a sense of duty in taking on this new challenge.

In an interview with ABS, he reflected on his decades of service, describing it as a “good, long journey” that he deeply valued. During his tenure, Rodney spearheaded initiatives to modernize the police force, including advancements in technology, enhanced crime-fighting strategies, and a stronger focus on officers’ mental health. One of his key achievements was advocating for a dedicated counselor to support police personnel—an effort aimed at addressing the psychological demands of law enforcement. He also revived the women’s retreat within the force, fostering discussions and mentorship opportunities for female officers.

ASP Everton Jeffers has been appointed as Acting Commissioner of Police until a permanent replacement is named.

Rodney’s departure comes at a time when several major cases remain unresolved, including the murders of two teenage girls and the unexplained disappearances of nearly a dozen individuals. His successor will inherit the challenge of addressing these outstanding investigations while continuing efforts to strengthen public trust in law enforcement.