New law enforcement initiatives to be announced

The big news is supposed to come Friday night at the annual banquet marking the end of police week, but today’s Belize Times offered a general preview of what National Security Minister Jorge Espat has in mind for the force’s future. Among the expected announcements is a plan to significantly increase the number of police personnel over the next two years, a major equipment upgrade, particularly in communications and transport, a new housing scheme and the creation of a long overdue Domestic Violence Unit. According to the Times, the government also plans to re-establish the Police Complaints Board, which will investigate citizens allegations of official misconduct.