Police Recruit Intake Ninety Six

Today was the last day for interested persons to send in their applications to become a member of the Belize Police Department. Earlier this month, Cabinet approved Intake Ninety six which will see an additional one hundred and fifty police officers go through training in order to become members of the department. Today, Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa told reporters that this new intake seeks to address a shortage of officers within the department. He says, they will be looking to recruit the most competent and qualified individuals.

Kareem Musa

Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs

“As you know, our current police population stands at around two thousand and thirty eight police officers. Back in 2014- 15, it was near two thousand four hundred officers. So, we do have a shortage in terms of man power. As you know, over the last year or so there have been several dismissals. Some officers have retired. So, there is the need to replenish our work force. So, we are very eager to get this current intake on the way. As I know, today is the deadline for intake ninety six. We will be getting one hundred and fifty officers. We are very fortunate. As they always say in any time of crisis great opportunity arises. Last intake we saw almost five thousand individuals apply to become police officers. That is a very good sign, because it gives us the opportunity to select the best of the best, in terms of the qualifications and competence in our officers. And so, that gives us a great opportunity to up the level of officers we have in the force. Of course, there is the requirement now that we have implemented that you have to have a high school diploma. At first it was primary school. We have certainly increased the requirements to become an officer.”