HIT Undergoes Traffic Enforcement Training

The Belize Department of Transport, led by Deputy Chief Transport Officer Peter Williams, conducted a one-day traffic enforcement training for members of the newly established Highway Interdiction Team (HIT) on Tuesday.

The training emphasised key procedures, including issuing traffic violation tickets and conducting vehicle checkpoints, equipping officers with critical skills to enhance road safety and operational effectiveness.

HIT, launched by the Belize Police Department in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries, aims to address traffic law enforcement while combating serious crimes such as drug trafficking, human smuggling, and the illegal transport of firearms.

Tackling Road Fatalities and Crime

In 2024, Belize recorded 115 road traffic-related deaths and an alarming increase in crimes linked to drug operations. Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa stressed the dual focus of the HIT team: enforcing traffic laws and targeting transnational crimes.

“And so it is my hope that this team, this Highway Interdiction Team, will also play a significant role in curbing the number of traffic fatalities and traffic accidents,” Musa stated.

Commissioner of Police Chester Williams said that Belize’s highways are often exploited by local and international criminals for illegal activities. The HIT is tasked with deterring these operations and ensuring highway safety.

Strategic Deployment and Expansion

The initial team of 14 officers will be stationed across key locations, with plans to expand as new recruits join. Special focus will be placed on the northern and southern regions, where criminal activities such as drug plane landings and contraband smuggling are prevalent.

Musa added, “And so it is expected that along the northern border we will be seeing a lot of the highway interdiction team, as well as in the south, where we have a lot of pain landings. Yes, it is in very remote areas in Dolores, where we have most of the pain landings. But hopefully this year we can get our forward operating base established in Dolores, along with the U.S. Embassy.”

Tools and Legislative Support

Essential tools like speed guns, breathalysers, and vehicle inspection equipment are being secured to enable the team to carry out their duties effectively. Williams also noted ongoing discussions to amend road traffic regulations, enhancing enforcement capabilities. “As long with other equipment that will be used to inspect and search vehicles on the spot, those are things that the Embassy we’ll be providing to the team so that they can be able to discharge it in the best way they can.  We are currently in discussion I think should be finalized by now, the different amendments to the road traffic regulation hat will deal with the issue of the use of fertilizers and strengthening some of the land.”