New recruits join police force

With law and order still a major concern of most Belizeans, the police department on Friday welcomed thirty-six new recruits into the war on crime. Members of the seventy-seventh squad have spent the last four months learning about the nation’s laws, court procedures, crowd control and even human rights. According to Minister of Home Affairs, Ralph Fonseca, community relations is the key to success on the beat.

Ralph Fonseca, Minister of Home Affairs

“Your days in a classroom may be behind you now, but training to become a respected officer is lifelong. The responsibilities are great and the expectations are high. Take this not as discouraging words, but as a challenge to excellence. In recent years, your department has rightfully placed much emphasis on building a partnership between itself and the community it serves; it would do you good to see the wisdom in that focus. Policing, investigating and solving crimes rely heavily on that valuable relationship with your community. When the community members know that you care, they will care for what you are trying to achieve.”

Recruit squad seventy-seven is made up of thirty-three men and three women. Class valedictorian was Allyson Muslar.