Reciprocity between Us and Them

Chester Williams

The relationship between the media and the Belize Police Department is a mutually beneficial arrangement where information is provided to the press in exchange for coverage of the department’s outreach activities.  With a new commander at the helm, it is expected that the rapport between both parties will only grow stronger.  Unlike his predecessor, ComPol Williams is not one to shy away from the camera, nor is he known to withhold critical information on matters of law enforcement.  Following his installation earlier this week, we asked him about the way forward under his leadership.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“There must be reciprocity.  The way the system works is that the media is always getting from us and we’re not getting anything from the media.  So my thing is that I would want to sit with the media and we have to work out a deal, we give you, you give us.  There are several things that we need to get out, messages, in terms of our crime fighting efforts that we need the media assistance in getting out those messages.  So let us see what we can do in working out some agreement that we both benefit from the relationship and it is not a one-way relationship.  So I would hope that each of you would be willing to be a part of that discussion and be willing to contribute something back to the police and the Government of Belize for the exchange that we have.”