Strategic Review of B.D.F. Recruitment Underway

David Jones

Is there a growing disparity in the recent number of police and B.D.F. intakes?  It would seem as though there are presently more recruits enlisting in the police department than there are in the Belize Defense Force.  Since assuming leadership in February 2013, Brigadier General David Jones has been exploring means of expanding the rank and file of the B.D.F.  That includes a long term approach to attracting newcomers.  This morning, Commander Jones told the media that a complete review is being undertaken to address the issue.

Brig. Gen. David Jones, B.D.F. Commander

“We are currently working on a strategic defense review for the force, which means we’re looking at the B.D.F. in the next ten years ahead.  We’re discussing all the issues that the B.D.F. is required to conduct which include the retention and security and control of what is happening along the border, which means we’re going to have to look at the manpower, the strength, the resources, the equipment and the size that the force needs to grow.  So all that is being taken into consideration and it is being done now should conclude before the middle of next year and that document will entail all the necessary resources, equipment and the size that the B.D.F. will grow.  It is intended for the B.D.F. to grow and that final number will be decided after the review is done.”

The last B.D.F. intake passed out at the end January.