Police Recognize Officers posted at Borders
They’ve been manning the borders of Belize for the past six months and doing extra police work in between. Today, twenty members of the Police Department’s Mobile Interdiction Team, or MIT, as they are better known, received recognition for their hard work. Marion Ali was at a brief ceremony held for the occasion at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan.
Marion Ali, Reporting
These police officers – all members of the Mobile Interdiction Team – have spent the last six months manning the borders and intercepting people engaged in illegal and illicit activity. Today, they received token awards for their efforts, but with a message of encouragement from Deputy Regional Commander of the San Ignacio Police Formation, Senior Superintendent Roy Joseph.
Roy Joseph
Sr. Supt. Roy Joseph, Deputy Regional Commander, San Ignacio
“When others seemingly are running out, you, the chosen few will be expected to be going in and it is anticipated that you will be doing that with pride, knowing full well that you are honouring your commitment to the people of this country, and by extension, your family, the Police Department.”
Assistant Commissioner of Police, who is Head of Police Operations, said the borders continue to be manned year-round, although the officers may be rotated.
Marco Vidal
ACP Marco Vidal, Commander, Police Operations
“They do that operation daily against COVID, against persons that try to come across with infections, or they are also involved in intercepting contraband, they also participate in interdiction of firearms and drugs along with the Corozal or the Orange Walk Formation.”
PC Tara Gordon was one of only two women officers who were at the border over the past six months. She feels she was successful at that post.
Tara Gordon
PC Tara Gordon, MIT Officer
“I made a seizure of ten pounds of weed on the bus – found property, went to Belize City and my team and I did a firearm seizure, so it went pretty well. I continue to do my best. I go out there, perform my duties to the best of my ability and nothing has changed for me. I just continue to do what I need to do.”
Vidal informed that altogether, the officers have intercepted over one hundred thousand dollars in contraband goods, fifteen firearms and a large quantity of drugs, mainly marijuana. He added that the U.S. Embassy has pledged to assist the MIT with a donation of vehicles shortly. These will be dispatched to assist the officers to carry out their work, particularly in remote areas along the borders. Marion Ali for News Five.
The entire Police Department’s MIT team consists of forty officers.
