POLICE commissioners from across the Caribbean met at the Atlantis Resort yesterday for their 27th annual general meeting and conference.

Bahamas Commissioner Ellison Greenslade, president of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP), said this year's theme - Transforming National Success into Regional Action: Successful Partnerships for effective Policing - indicates the willingness of member countries to join forces to combat crime.

"This region has been hard hit with increased incidences of crime and violence that has had a crippling affect on our societies. This problem is compounded by an active and illicit drug trade as well as easy access to illegal firearms and ammunition," he said.

"We recognise that these problems are not isolated but affect the entire region; hence the theme for this year's ACCP meeting is indeed timely as it is relevant.

"Our consistent collaboration as well as information sharing on best practices will prove to be an effective tool in helping to restore peace, safety and security in the region."

The conference ends on May 25.