Police Increasing Security Measures in River Valley  

Security measures are tightening up in River Valley. In recent months, the community observed an increase in crime in the area, raising serious concern among residents. After voicing complaints about the ineffectiveness of the police officers stationed there, ten new officers were transferred into the area, replacing the previous staff, and a new officer in charge was appointed. Today, the force continues to strengthen this commitment to safety by welcoming a new police mobile to be used in the area. News Fives’ Britney Gordon attended the handing-over ceremony for more details on the security strategies to be implemented in River Valley. Here’s that report.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

The Belize River Valley just got a little safer with the addition of a brand-new police mobile. This vehicle is part of a greater initiative to strengthen security measures in the area. Today, the police force held a handing-over ceremony to commemorate the new vehicle and commend the efforts made to ensure public safety. Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs detailed this endeavor to us.

 

Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs

“A few years ago, we had undertaken a very comprehensive countrywide review and tour. Of the rural communities meeting with the leaders all across the country to identify the key areas in which we can assist these rural communities whether it’s by community policing, whether it’s by assigning special constables, additional special constables. And one of the number one concerns was mobility. And so that is part of the reason why we are here today to deliver. This brand new pickup truck for the Belize River Valley. As you mentioned, there was some flare ups about two, two months or so ago. And so we definitely wanted to prioritize and focus our efforts here in the River Valley, not just by providing mobility for the police officers, but providing additional officers.”

 

The implementation of better safety precautions is a community effort that involves strategizing with several community leaders and government officials. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams acknowledges a decrease in violent

 

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“We know that the year started off rough for them. I think we had about ten murders in the first three months, which was extremely high. And I came in, I sat down with them, we developed strategies, we had mediations, we have interventions the community leaders were also brought together to give their ideas so we can get an appreciation in terms of what was taking place and see how best we could address the issue. And again, that yielded good results for us. We have since seen a tremendous decrease in major crime in the area since we had those meetings. And we’re hoping that with the additional resources in the area, both human and vehicular resources, that we’ll be able to get more from the police in this area. I want to assure the Belize River Valley people that the Belize Police Department stands committed in making sure that their safety and security always remain at the forefront.”

 

Musa explains that the Ministry of Home Affairs has been donating new vehicles to the Crimes Investigation Branch across the country.

 

Kareem Musa

“We have from our ministry identified funds. Recently we also handed over six brand new vehicles to CIB all across the country because It’s absolutely vital and essential that our investigators, whenever a serious crime is taking place, that they have mobility and so we were able to deliver six new vehicles to C.I.B. as well.”

 

The police mobile and new officers are part of a concerted effort towards better public safety. Williams explained that through the diligent efforts of the police force and continued cooperation from the public, residents will begin to witness a positive change in the community.

 

Chester Williams

“We have newly leadership in the area as well. Additional police officers were also pumped into the area. I think we went from somewhere around eleven police officers in this area to currently about twenty-nine. So the numbers increased tremendously. But our Boom station now is twenty-four hours operating in Bermuda Landing. It’s I think two shift system. We have there until twelve midnight. So we’re seeing more and more that we’re doing what we can to enhance security. Again, it does not require only the police. We have to have the partnership with the people and that’s the importance why the importance of making sure that the chairpersons of the respected villages are a part of what we do. We get good cooperation from them, good input from them. I want to make sure we enhance that.”

 

Britney Gordon for News Five.