Crispin Jeffries is the new Commissioner of Police

Crime has been consistently on the rise and the number of murders, robberies and sexual crimes have reached record highs. Today outgoing Commissioner of Police, Gerald Westby, passed the baton to the new top cop whose job is to keep the criminals in check. Crispin Jeffries has been in the media on several occasions for both controversial and positive reasons. This afternoon he was the man of the hour at a ceremony in Belmopan where he was promoted to the highest rank in the force. News Five’s Delahnie Bain was on hand for the event.

Delahnie Bain, Reporting
Members of the police force gathered at the Training Academy in Belmopan this afternoon. The occasion; a Change of Command ceremony to officially name Crispin Jeffries as Commissioner of Police. But before Jeffries took the podium, outgoing ComPol, Gerald Westby, said his farewell and was showered with gifts of appreciation for his years of work.

Gerald Westby, Outgoing Commissioner of Police
“Ladies and gentlemen, it is not a sad occasion. I have served the department for thirty-four long arduous years and throughout that thirty-four years I have not been placed on a disciplinary charge. I dare anybody to beat that record. I’m leaving today without being placed on a disciplinary charge so I’m happy today that I’m leaving.”

And then came the highlight of the day. There was the handing over of colours exercise…

The Oath of Office…

And a toast to the new Commissioner of Police.

Crispin Jeffries, Commissioner of Police
“This day marks the start of a process of my transition into the office of Commissioner of Police. There is a great expectation and confidence in my ability to bring about the needed change. This opportunity would make any man proud and I am humbled by this opportunity. I am truly honoured to have received this offer and without hesitation, accepted to serve.”

In his speech, Jeffries also noted that he will turn to his predecessor and other past Commissioners for advice. After the ceremony we asked him about his plans as the top cop.

Crispin Jeffries
“The operational effectiveness, that is intelligence led policing, police investigation, police prosecution, preventative patrols, community policing; those things will all be addressed within the forefront of the plan. These are things that were there already, we’ll just see how we get around to improve on it because if it is to be achieved it will have to be achieved through the efforts and energy of the junior ranks, the boots on the ground.”

Delahnie Bain
“What do you think you’ll be doing differently from Commissioner Westby?”

Crispin Jeffries
“Not a lot, not a lot. One of the things I will do is make greater demands and hold senior officers and senior managers as well as supervisors accountable.”

And the outgoing ComPol had only positive things to say about his successor.

Gerald Westby
“I want to commend Mr. Jeffries for assuming command of the Police Department. He is a tireless worker, a very had worker, a very dedicated cop, a very committed cop.”

Delahnie Bain for News Five.

On Monday, Jeffries and his management team will be officially introduced by Minister of National Security, Carlos Perdomo, at a press briefing.