An afternoon with the Patrol Branch
News Five has taken you through the bush, behind the Belize Defense Force and on the water with the Maritime Wing. Tonight, we’ll take you through the Belize City streets with officers of the patrol branch. Reporter Janelle Chanona and Cameraman Rick Romero got into the back of a police vehicle this afternoon and got an inside look at one of their “routine” afternoons.
Janelle Chanona
Like we’re trapped in some live episode of “Cops,” News Five hops in Delta Six of the Patrol Branch as the officers prepare to respond to a burglary in progress on South Street.
Officers already on the scene report that 2 young men were seen running away from the house. Warning shots have already been fired. Now that they have back-up, the officers decide to follow on foot. And News Five is right behind them.
But despite all those hopped fences, the officers emerge without their men. Even though the bad guys got away, the police still feel pretty good.
P.C. Edison Castillo
“Well we got a report about 3 o’clock concerning a burglary and so we proceeded here. When we arrived at the scene, 2 guys fled from the scene. We made chased after them, but without success.”
Janelle Chanona
“I heard something about warning shots being fired?”
P.C. Edison Castillo
“Well 2 warning shots were fired, but to no avail.”
Janelle Chanona
“So what happens now?”
P.C. Edison Castillo
“Well we wait until CIB comes to investigate the matter.”
Janelle Chanona
“Do you know what was stolen as yet?”
P.C. Edison Castillo
“In the house, we have a television and a stereo in a bag already, to be taken away. Thank goodness that the police came and they haven’t been taken away.”
Since the Criminal Investigations Branch will take over, Delta Six continues its patrol. Corporal Egbert Castillo is the new kid on the block. He’s only been working with the patrol branch for about 4 days now but already knows what to expect on his shift.
Corporal Egbert Castillo
“One of the major things we come across, is young fellows hanging out on the street, drug peddlers and drug dealers. Our main function is to patrol, to give the citizen of Belize the confidence that the police are always present and to discourage these people from hanging around aimlessly on the streets.”
On Kraal Road, the officers shake down 2 young men found in front of a shop. This is one of the street bases the branch makes sure to visit several times every day. They find nothing today, but as part of procedure, they get the names and addresses of the men. Castillo says while things are repetitive on the beat, they are never routine.
Corporal Egbert Castillo
“Everyday in the patrol branch is a different day. You leave home and you really don’t know what you will encounter, what is your next move. You could get a call to respond to a fire, to respond to a murder. You don’t know what you’ll do and I enjoy that a lot.”
Janelle Chanona
“So far, have you ever experienced real fear as you’re coming onto the job?”
Corporal Egbert Castillo
“Sure, several times. As a patrol officer, sometimes you are involved in shootouts, you are in pursuit of real dangerous persons with firearms, several of whom I’ve come across. But a bit fear is very good, it keeps you on your toes and alert at all times.”
Janelle Chanona
“What about the complaint that maybe police officers are too alert, that they are too eager to “roughhouse” and “rough handle” people on the street?”
Corporal Egbert Castillo
“I really can’t say much about that because in my young days as a police officer, yes, I used to be rough. Plenty people use to talk, but in those days I was at CIB, (it was) Noble and Castillo, Noble and Castillo. But once you get older in policing, then you learn the better side of it and you know how to deal with situations much better than what people would call going on “hoggish”. You talk to people nice and more times than not, no matter how bad this person, if you talk to them nice, he will respond to you nice. Most people I deal with, they make a lot of noise and behave boisterous and when you approach them with a softer touch–that doesn’t mean that you are going to them like you are afraid–but you go to them nicely, and they will always calm down. People who behave hoggish, and you behave hoggish, then that will only stir up the situation. So if you talk to people nice, they will always calm down and humble themselves to you.”
P.C. Rupert McKenzie
“Today was a successful day because we responded to many domestic disputes and other reports, and carry out many searches and as you can see, we prevented a burglary that was in progress.”
Janelle Chanona
“So you are feeling good right now?”
P.C. Rupert McKenzie
“Yes I do.”
Janelle Chanona
“So what will keep you motivate for tomorrow?”
P.C. Rupert McKenzie
” Just to do what I do best, come out and do the same thing.”
Reporting for News Five, I am Janelle Chanona.
According to the officers of the patrol branch, CIB did dust the house that was broken into for fingerprints and if they do manage to get samples, should have the culprits in custody very soon, if they’ve committed a crime before.
Channel 5 is looking for a reporter to join the staff of one of the region’s most highly honoured television news organizations.
The applicant should possess the following minimum qualifications.
– Sixth form degree or equivalent broadcasting experience
– Strong English language and writing skills
– A commitment to excellence
– Willingness to work odd hours under sometimes rigorous conditions
Please bring a resume with two letters of recommendation to 17 Regent Street, Belize City or via email to gbtv@btl.net.
