Police gear up for holidays
It’s as regular a seasonal occurrence as cool weather and the appearance of apples and grapes. I’m talking about Christmas crime…and the proactive efforts of police. News 5’s Jacqueline Woods reports from downtown Belize City.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
According to Assistant Commissioner of Police and the officer in charge of Eastern Division Maureen Leslie, Belizeans should see an increase in foot and mobile patrols including vehicle checkpoints.
ACP. Maureen Leslie, O.C Eastern Division
?This is the Christmas time for us and this is one of the times of the year that we are actively involved, collectively as a department in dealing with the crime situation throughout the country. This simply means that our officers have to work extra patrols to ensure that all areas are covered.?
This morning the police handed brochures to motorists and pedestrians on what steps they can to take to have a safe holiday.
ACP Maureen Leslie
?This is all part of our community relationship and we got some pamphlets in regards to traffic safety and crimes in general. We want the public to be aware and to educate them so that they can help themselves and therefore help us help them in return. It?s all part of an education process.?
The police men and women are also being assisted by a fair number of trainees on the job.
ACP Maureen Leslie
?I think people want to be involved in their own safety and I think if we can meet with the public and talk to them and have them feel as if they are part of the whole process, they will help us more. This is what we want; we want them to help us so that we can have a safer community.?
In addition to offering safety tips, the police brass also gave a helping hand to the Salvation Army and its kettle appeal.
G. Michael Reid, Police Press Officer
?We believe in helping anybody who needs help and that is the motto of the Police Department. So every year whenever there is something like this, which is a worthy fund drive, we try to get involved. The police are involved in the community and the community assist the police.?
?It?s overwhelming, as a matter of fact, the Salvation Army is thinking of hiring me fulltime because the people have been giving. There have been a lot of people coming up, those who know me and those who don?t and they have been dropping it in the kettle. So I think they are just happy to give to a worthy cause.?
The public is asked to utilize the 922 Crimestoppers to help fight crime during this busy holiday season…and also earn a reward for their good citizenship. Jacqueline Woods for News 5.
