Police to get Independence station rape file to D.P.P., but when?

There is very little progress to report on an allegation of rape that reportedly occurred a few weekends ago inside the lockup at the Independence Police Station.  Earlier today, police informed that a file will be forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions whenever an internal investigation into a claim that two women were sexually assaulted by officers in the holding cell.  That inquiry is being conducted by the Professional Standards Branch, however, it seems to be moving along at a snail’s pace.  Since the charges were made against the officers, the department has not disclosed their identities and it has been sluggish in its investigation of the alleged incident.

ASP Alejandro Cowo, O.C. C.I.B., Belize City

ASP Alejandro Cowo

“As we mentioned, that file is being dealt with by the Professional Standards Branch.  As soon as they complete their investigation and everything then we’ll let you know what is the stance of the police department in regards to that alleged rape.”

Hortence Hernandez

“Additional to that, remember it was likewise sent to the office of the DPP.”

Reporter

“Okay.  So it was sent.”

Hortence Hernandez

“Well that was the last update we got, sending the file to the office of the DPP and they will be giving the directive on how to move henceforth.”

Dezerie Magdaleno

“I think the correct statement is to say that the file will be sent, because I don’t want you all to call the DPP when you leave here and she says, “I have no file.”  The procedure is [that] the file will be sent to the DPP for a directive.”

Reporter

“Okay, so it hasn’t been sent, but it will be sent.”

Dezerie Magdaleno

“I cannot say and that’s why I wanted to clarify.”