Keeping a Fragile Peace on South Side Streets

Richard Rosado

Deputy ComPol Rosado who spearheaded today’s meet and greet with the gangs, has been working closely with the Leadership Intervention Unit to address the chronic issues of gang violence and criminality in Belize City.  He says that for meaningful change to take place, there must first be a  change in philosophy and approach.

Dr. Richard Rosado, Deputy Commissioner of Police

“Most forward thinking police leaders have recognized that there is a need for a strategic shift from the traditional approach of how we do crime prevention and we are cognizant that there is a need for collaboration, a multi-sectoral approach and the utilization of technology.  We have also recognized that there is a need for working in concert with all security forces and the Belize Police Department is slowly making that transition into embracing that approach and we are hoping that we will be able to also progress in getting a shared vision in managing crime.”

William Dawson, Director, Leadership Intervention Unit

“The L.I.U., along with the Department of Youth Services and the police department and our other stakeholders have been working around the clock to make sure that we initiate and build rapport with the different communities and I must say that it is very warming to hear the community responding in a very positive manner as it relates to the minimum criminal activity within this community in particular that we have known has been a hotspot in Belize City.  And to hear from the elders enjoying that calm and peace and to see the community moving together as one is very elating for us.”

Isani Cayetano

“Now this is one of several communities that you will be visiting this afternoon.  If I am not mistaken, there is the PIV community and the Backa Lands community.  How are these guys holding up, in terms of the fragility of the situation between those two neighborhoods?”

William Dawson

William Dawson

“Well you know, whenever it comes to gang interventions there is never an easy fix, but we have been able to keep that communication going with the guys and honestly, it is the willingness on the part of the guys who come to the table whenever there are issues to resolve.  And I think the intervention and the training and communication and the rapport between both the police department and the community has helped us greatly in moving forward with having matters resolved in an amicable way without using violence as an alternative.”