John Saldivar Outlines Measures on Crime

John Saldivar

The once and current Minister of National Security, John Saldivar, reviewed the performance of his Ministry of Defense before the merger announced earlier this week and also spent some time on what his Police portfolio will be doing to address the burgeoning crime situation. In addition to the new legislation that will be debated in the course of Friday, there is some re-thinking of established police operations.

John Saldivar, Area Representative, Belmopan

“We have taken certain measures, Madam Speaker, to stem the gun violence in the streets of Southside Belize City. These include but are not limited to the following: re-configuration of Operation ACT which was brought into force last year; the establishment of an Operational Command Center; deployment of the B.D.F. to patrol the streets with police officers; conduct of surgical strike operations based on intelligence; and embarking on a public relations campaign to enlist further support of the community. We are confident that these measures and operations will achieve the desired outcome, which includes: gathering of evidence against persons who are accused of committing criminal acts, particularly murders, with a view to have them incarcerated and convicted; stem the proliferation of illegal firearms and drugs on the streets and interdict those involved in their use and distribution; minimize the occurrence of shootings and other violent crimes in the City; return the City to where the public can feel that sense of safety and move around freely, without the fear of being harmed; apprehend persons who are wanted by C.I.B. and the courts, on commitment warrants; and build public trust and confidence in the work of the Belize Police Department. Madam Speaker, even before I assumed responsibility for the Belize Police Department, certain legislative changes were already in progress, with others to be added, that will strengthen the enforcement regime and facilitate the Police in interdicting the criminals. These include the enactment of an anti-gang legislation which will provide law enforcement officers with the legislative authority to effectively target gangs and gang activities, which are tied to the number of murders occurring across the country, but primarily in Belize City.”