ComPol Prepares to Exit

Commissioner of Police Chester Williams has been at the helm for six years, making him the longest-serving Police Commissioner in Belize’s history. Appointed during the U.D.P’s last administration, Williams is now preparing to step down. Reflecting on his tenure, he shared the key factors that contributed to his successful term.

 

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“Six years is a lot.  six years is a lot. It’s a long time.  I am the most senior police chief in Central America and the Caribbean in terms of years as police chief. And could not have survived this long as a commissioner of police. Had it not been for the support of my commanders and every police officers out there,  I know at times my  drive  is not something that is pleasing to them, but  I am a fierce leader, just as you are. When it’s time to  get tough,  I can be the toughest person in the room.  And when it’s time to be soft, I can be Leadership for me is about  adjusting your attitude  based on situations  and knowing  what  to do and when to do certain things.  And if you as a leader cannot make that adjustment, you’re going to be in problems. Because as much as I may curse out my commanders at times.  When I done with them, I don’t we move on from there. Like never happen, and that is one, one thing I think they respect me for, because I know that when I come hard at them, it’s because I want to see them doing better, so I basically made them into something more tougher. Having reaches milestone now.  I am not saying that I am leaving now, but certainly I have started to contemplate on my next plan, my next move, what I will do after this.  Yes, I am an attorney. I have a profession I can go to. But believe you me, I have fight all my life  to put criminals behind bars. I don’t see myself fighting to take them out.  So going into  private practice as an attorney is not something I am thinking of.  At this time, my hope is that when I leave from here as commissioner, I can continue in public service. That would be my desire.”