Recognizing the Role of Women in Law Enforcement

The Belize Police Department recognized a trio of outstanding female police officers this morning, here in Belize City.  As part of Women’s Month, the officers were formally acknowledged by the leadership of the police department for the respective roles that they play in community development and law enforcement.  Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with that story.

 

Cpl. Carmella Cacho, Award Recipient

“It’s been a great journey being a police officer.  I’ve always wanted to work in my community and serve the people of Belize.  So I find that being a police officer is rewarding and it is allowing me to accomplish the goal that I have set for myself.”

 

It is important to emphasize the significance of gender equality and the recognition of women’s roles and achievements within law enforcement.  At the Belize Police Department, three female officers were formally acknowledged earlier today by the brass, including Commissioner of Police Chester Williams.

 

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“We have come a very long way in terms of making sure that we do recognize the hard work and importance that women play in law enforcement.  If you look at the rank structure of the department, we have two women in the higher echelon at the Assistant Commissioner [of Police] level and, more so, one of them is currently acting in the capacity of a DCP and then below them, we do have a number of other women police officers who are up there in rank and are right behind, following.”

 

A police department that includes both men and women benefits from diverse perspectives, skills and problem-solving approaches.  Women bring unique insights and experiences that enhance the overall operational effectiveness of law enforcement.  This hasn’t always been the case at BPD, where women can be there own worst enemies.

 

Carmella Cacho

“Well you know, eena every environment, working with female police officers is also sometimes challenging, but I find that we get together well and I communicate with everyone and I believe that everyone communicates with me.”

 

Corporal Carmella Cacho is an award recipient who is being recognized by her colleagues during this year’s celebration of Women’s Month.  Women leaders in law enforcement have shattered glass ceilings, proving that gender should not limit career advancement.  Their accomplishments inspire others and demonstrate that leadership roles are attainable for all.

 

Chester Williams

“From time immemorial, we have seen that women have been stifled.  That is the truth, and when I became Commissioner of Police I said that, you know, we have to be fair to the women because sometimes we look at the women as only persons who can do secretarial work.  “Di boss want a cup ah coffee, gimme a coffee.”  “The place needs to be swept, sweep the place.”  That’s not the role of a woman in law enforcement.  When a woman decides to join the police, she decided to be a law enforcement officer, not a domestic worker.  So we have to ensure that within the workspace we make that clear distinction that they are women in law enforcement and not domestic worker.”

 

Despite the commissioner’s best effort, sexism and gender bias remain a prevailing culture within the police department where promotions and assignments are concerned.  For Corporal Cacho, it’s simply a matter of remaining positive and focused on career development.

 

Carmella Cacho

“I just always try to remain positive in everything that I do.  I pray every day and give God thanks fi always be my guiding light eena everything that I do.”

 

When women are involved in policing, incidents of violence and aggression tend to decrease.  This directly impacts public safety, as well as the wellbeing of both officers and citizens, as studies indicate that women officers are less likely to use excessive force or be accused of it.

 

Chester Williams

“For the first time, we had a woman as the head of Special Branch, that was Ms. Bodden, and as much as there was so many rumbling when she took over, “Oh, she has no Special Branch experience.”  She is this, she is that, all sorts of things, Ms. Bodden went to Special Branch and she performed exceptionally as head of Special Branch.  She now moved on to Commander of Administration and again, she has picked up the ball and she is rolling with the ball and is doing exceedingly well.”

 

Gender equality is not just a matter of fairness; it directly impacts the effectiveness of the police department, community relations, and overall safety. Isani Cayetano for News Five.