UNDP, EU Equip CRD with ICT Tools to Strengthen Justice System

The Community Rehabilitation Department (CRD) has received a major technological boost with new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment valued at BZD $95,396. The initiative, part of the PACE Justice Project, is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to strengthen case management in Adult Alternative Sentencing.

The donation includes 34 all-in-one desktop computers and 10 printer/scanner units, which will enable probation officers and intake staff to digitise records, streamline documentation, and enhance efficiency in managing probation cases.

This development aligns with Belize’s Alternative Sentencing Act, 2024, which seeks to reduce prison overcrowding and case backlogs by expanding non-custodial sentencing options. The Act prioritises rehabilitation and community reintegration, particularly for low-risk offenders, making probation services a critical part of the country’s justice reform efforts.

The PACE Justice Project plays a key role in modernising Belize’s legal framework by integrating digital solutions and alternative sentencing mechanisms. By investing in these resources, Belize is advancing toward a more efficient, rehabilitative, and just legal system.