Radio equipment donated to police

Today the Minister of National Security handed over communication equipment, donated from an Israeli family to the Police Force to enhance law enforcement countrywide. In his address, Minister Jorge Espat, says his government is committed to modernizing and transforming the Belize Police Department as well as the Department of National Security and Immigration.

The equipment, which includes hand held radios, repeater systems, antennae, batteries and other items, is valued at over one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. But before Espat handed over the costly gift to Ornel Brooks, the Commissioner of Police, he cautioned the high command to make sure the equipment is not abused.

Jorge Espat, Minister of National Security

“And I trust Mr. Commissioner that these much needed equipment will be cared for, will be maintained by police officers and indeed, I not only say I hope, but insist that these expensive and much needed equipment be entrusted to officers to whom quality matters.”

Brooks says recently they handed in to the Ministry a plan of action outlining the department’s work for the next five years and he is pleased to see one of their objectives, the need to improve their communication systems, has been met so quickly.

Ornel Brooks, Commissioner of Police

“What we are seeing here is that we are targeting that all foot patrols be equipped with hand held radios and most of our vehicles should be equipped with mobile base radios. And in so doing that they will be able to assist the officers in reporting crime as they see it and allow us to provide backup assistance where and when necessary.”

The gift will now also enable the police to receive transmissions from across the country. It is expected that the items will be distributed to police stations countrywide.

The presentation was made at the Raccoon Street Police Station.