ComPol Williams: 20% Reduction in Murders

With ten more days left in the year, the Belize Police Department is boosting efforts to keep crime at an all-time low. In his Christmas Message, Police Commissioner Chester Williams says that murders are down by twenty percent. According to the ComPol, this year has recorded less than a hundred murders as was the case in 2013. He says that the reduction in murders this year has renewed hope in the department’s capabilities to fight and reduce crime. Williams says that this was achieved with the help of stakeholders and enhanced policing strategy.

Chester Williams

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I know that we have had some very tough times. There have been instances where our ability to be able to reduce crime were questioned. And, we stand firm and try to demonstrate to the Belizean people that, you know, despite all the negative press we do get at times, we are a resilient department and we always ensure we strive for excellence in trying to make our Belizean people safe. And, yes this year, as you said, we have been sharing our stats and we have seen a tremendous reduction in murders this year when compared to the previous years. And as much as in my New Year’s message, I made mention that the numbers we’re seeing this year is the lowest we have seen since 2008. Actually, when I went back into our historical data, it shows that it’s the lowest we have had since 2006. So we’re looking at a 17 year record that is going to be broken. And, I must say thanks to the support that we have gotten from our minister, as well as the prime minister and the members of his cabinet. The all of government approach to fighting crime is really and truly working not as much as we wanted to, but we’re getting there.”