ComPol Williams: “Since the SOE, We Saw a Significant Decrease in Crime”

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police, says that the ongoing State of Emergency (SOE) has led to a notable decrease in crime. ComPol Willaims said, “Since the SOE, we saw a significant decrease of crime in Belize City, particularly in gang violence, likewise in the Cayo District.”

According to Williams, the SOE has provided law enforcement with enhanced capabilities to conduct thorough investigations.

While acknowledging improvements, Williams noted, “It’s not where we want to be.” Williams described the decrease as a “good achievement” and added that “the public needs to do more to work with us” to further reduce crime.

As the SOE nears its conclusion, discussions regarding its potential extension have emerged. The Commissioner clarified, “There is no thought to extending the SOE.”

In addressing gang members, Williams urged gang members to surrender their “guns” upon release. “The way you all can live together in prison, why can’t you live this way when you’re out on the streets? You don’t need to be in prison to learn to live this way,” Williams said.