New police presence opened at Barracks
In more positive police news, high ranking members of the department and residents of the Newtown Barracks area gathered this morning for the inauguration of a permanent police presence in the high profile neighbourhood.
Jason Musa, Manager, Belize Marina Towers
“This particular area has become kind of a hotspot on weekends, night life, discos, casinos, bars, restaurants. And the house has been here for almost two months and we have seen a drastic change in the area.”
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
The police booth at the B.T.L. Park on Newtown Barracks is the fourth to be erected in Belize City to help curb crime. This morning the wooden structure was officially handed over to the police by Belize Marina Towers. Business manager Jason Musa says following a neighbourhood meeting with authorities it was decided that something needed to be done to have more security in the area.
Jason Musa
“A few months ago the Commissioner of Police had a community meeting for this community in particular, and in that meeting some of the residents and the business owners showed up and I brought up the idea and everyone thought it was a good idea. Unfortunately, not everyone help donated; Belize Marina Towers did that on their own. We feel as though it’s just to give back to the community.”
The location is ideal not only because it is just across from M.J.’s Grand nightclub, but because the booth sits at the corner of a family park that is frequented by children. Police Commissioner Carmen Zetina says the security measure is part of their five-year strategic plan of action.
Carmen Zetina, Police Commissioner
“Well you know one of the activities that we have mentioned in the five year strategic plan is that we will be constructing or erecting different booths at different locations in different parts of the country, and this is one of the things that has happened now with the generous assistance of people concerned the area.”
“The police department welcomes any assistance given by the community. This is just a testimony of what is happening now, or the change of mentality now. As you can see that the community and the police are in fact working hand in hand for a better Belize.”
Zetina pointed to new training projects within the police department, including a two week local course for crime scene technicians to improve their skills in collecting evidence and presenting it effectively in court.
