Police Commissioner to Plan Introduction of Mediation Process

Regional Project Director, Professor Velma Newton proposes a process similar to mediation by the courts. In this case, however, it is the Commissioner of Police who is to formalize the process. Newton says that ComPol Allen Whylie, who attended the opening ceremony on Monday, supports the training for officers attached to the Police Training Academy in Belmopan. This, according to Professor Newton, works hand-in-hand with the community policing initiative of the department.

Velma Newton

Prof. Velma Newton, Regional Project Director of IMPACT Justice

“Ask what it is that you want, what are your problems and listen. Listening is extremely important in mediation. A mediator is not like a judge; a mediator is a neutral third party who listens to the problems and tries to help people to reach a solution that they come up with themselves, the two parties. You will have domestic issues, issues over land, people fighting over…and hopefully, if the police can solve some of these problems before they go to the court, it would reduce the pressure on the courts because fewer cases would go there.”

Duane Moody

“This is being done throughout the region, could you talk to us about where we are in terms of the reach…I know the lifespan is six years. So reaching these goals, where we are?”

Prof. Velma Newton

“Well the project is in its third year and so far we have done training—both in restorative practices and mediation—in most countries. We still have Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda to do.”