• Scene of the Accident on Myrtle Banner Road, Camalote Village.

Corruption, a Growing Cancer in the Belize Police Department

Corruption, a Growing Cancer in the Belize Police Department

Wed, 02/01/2023 - 15:31
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The corruption by certain elements within the Belize Police Department is a growing malignant cancer. It is a cancer that has spiraled out of control, and it is undermining the trust, security, and safety of our communities. Recent reports of abuse of power, brutality, theft, extortion and even murder by rogue police officers have led to a public perception of disdain and disgust towards those in uniform.

 

This problem is not only limited to a few bad actors but is now a systemic issue that permeates all levels of the department, from the highest-ranking to the lowest ranked officers. These corrupt individuals act with impunity, brazenly and shamelessly, with no respect for their uniforms or the laws they have sworn to uphold.

A recent traffic accident that I witnessed personally on the 15th of October 2022, between miles 51 and 52 on Myrtle Banner Road in Camalote village near the George Price Highway, is a prime example of the corruption that plagues our police department. Despite multiple calls for assistance regarding the said accident, it took police an hour and thirty minutes to arrive at the scene of the accident, and when they did, they showed a blatant disregard for proper procedure and impartiality.

Instead of checking on the occupants of both vehicles to see if they were okay and requesting their licenses, insurance coverage and vehicle titles, the officers took their entire time talking with the driver of the vehicle responsible for the accident.

When witnesses attempted to bring the officers' attention to their lack of impartiality and failure to follow proper procedure, they were ignored or threatened to be lock in the slammer for obstruction to their definition of justice.

These officers even went so far as to help that driver turn his vehicle back over on its four wheels and allowed him to drive away from the scene without being administered a sobriety test.

This is not an isolated incident, but a pattern of behavior that is all too common within our police department. The corruption and disregard for proper procedure displayed by these officers is a direct result of a lack of oversight and accountability within the department and the Police high command.

We need a complete redesign of our police department, one that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and the protection of our all communities.