Belmopan Police Extends Christmas Message

Howell Gillett

As we near the end of the year, the Belize Police Department will be busy formulating statistics on crime, violent and otherwise. We’ll have a more comprehensive look at that as we close out 2014, but tonight one Police commander is taking a look back at his year, and giving credit where it’s due. Superintendent Howell Gillett, since taking over the Belmopan Station, has focused on community integration and participation, and he says that it’s paid real dividends.

Supt. Howell Gillett, Officer Commanding, Belmopan Police

“Where crime occurs; peace, health and happiness are almost invariably put in jeopardy. So as one year ends, another begins. I continue to go about learning from our communities in Belmopan and the surrounding villages from Franks Eddy to the east, Blackman Eddy to the West, St. Margaret’s to the south and Valley of Peace to the north and all the other villages in between. As you share your experiences with me, I will be better equipped to make your voices heard as our police and partners work together to tackle crime. I am obliged to highlight our achievements for the progressive period 2014 which includes high community engagement, visible improved moral of officers. We saw a twenty-three percent plus reduction in major crimes, a significant reversal of the murder rate from sixteen to five; we halted the theft of government motor vehicles; appointed a police liaison officer to communicate with victims of crimes; we saw the appointment of a constable quality service to make representation on their behalf. We also saw a reduction in robberies on our walkways and decrease in burglaries. Furthermore, we started the cadet corp. Program at the roaring Creek Police Substation for young kids and soon to come onboard is Blackman Eddy Village; this will be the new way forward for 2015. In addition, I have appointed two police officers to each village in our jurisdiction with the view of creating focus groups to better police by consent. We also saw the reactivation of the different neighbourhood watch groups in Belmopan. In tandem, I have appointed an officer at the San Martin, Cohune Walk, Maya Mopan and Las Flores areas to conduct and engage in high visibility and meaningful patrols. In this light, due to the security measures put in place, we have seen a downward trend in crime towards the end of this year.”