Eastern Division Speaks on Police Misconduct

Randolph Scott

On Monday, a police officer was hauled off to jail after being found guilty of committing a lewd act upon a fellow constable at a substation in Belize City back in October.  It is the kind of incident that raises serious concerns about the conduct of law enforcement officers while on duty.  This morning, we got a response from Senior Superintendent Edward Broaster, Deputy O.C. of Eastern Division.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

Police Constable Randolph Scott will be spending Christmas in detention at the Belize Central Prison after being convicted of aggravated assault of an indecent nature upon a female colleague on Monday evening.  The incident happened on October twenty-sixth at the Belama Police Station where the twenty-one-year-old woman police constable reported that Scott touched her inappropriately on her legs and breast.  He then proceeded to place her legs on his shoulders before simulating intercourse with her.

Sr. Supt. Edward Broaster, Deputy O.C., Eastern Division

“I think that that case speaks for itself, a lot of times people would say that we cover for each other but that in itself again is another case where we are very transparent and above board in discharging our responsibilities.  And not because it is a police officer we would not do a proper investigation or cover up any sort of wrongdoing whether it’s against a member of the department or a member of the public.”

It is alleged that sometime that night both officers, along with constable Manuel Mai, were socializing and were said to have been under the influence of alcohol.  In court today, Mai testified that the pair, on occasion, acted inappropriately.

Edward Broaster

Sr. Supt. Edward Broaster

“We have had instances where we have disciplined officers as it pertains to drinking whilst on the job.  As a matter of fact we are investigating two officers right now that were actually on duty and purchasing beer.  So, like I said, unprofessional behavior is a zero tolerance here at the Eastern Division and we are ensuring that we deal with every complaint and everything that comes to our attention as it pertains to the discipline of police officers.”

Scott has been sentenced to two months in prison.  In mitigation, his attorney, Hubert Elrington requested that the court take into consideration the fact that prior to the allegations made against him, PC Scott was an exemplary member of the department.   Elrington also asked the court to take into consideration the fact that this is Scott’s first conviction for any such offense and that he is not a person of bad character.  Despite his plea, the Chief Magistrate in her ruling noted, that, while the WPC may have had a role in the incident, PC Scott should have stopped when she said no. Reporting for News Five, I am Isani Cayetano.