Disciplinary Action to be Taken against Officer Morales

Chester Williams

Police Constable 1189 Juan Carlos Morales was the police officer leading the joint patrol with B.D.F. on the tragic Sunday night.  But as it turns out, he is not even a trained police officer.  ComPol Chester Williams confirmed to the media today that Morales just recently assimilated into the Belize Police Department as a constable, having worked as a special constable for years.  But is this lack of professional development and community policing skill what led to the mishandling of the situation which subsequently ended with the killing of Escobar?

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I fully agree that the actions of the police go totally against what we expect of our officers. And I have instructed Mister Serano that the officer is to be charged for act of prejudice to good order and discipline in respect to his comments before and after the shooting. There was also a civilian who was assaulted by the police with a baton; the police will also be charged in respect of that matter. Certainly, the action of the police one could reasonably argue exacerbated that situation to where it went.”

According to the commissioner, over one hundred special constables have been given regulation numbers due their performance. He says Morales had demonstrated the ability to perform as a police officer and was recommended by his Officer in Command.