Putting the “Community” in Policing

Over fifty police officers attended a “community policing” sensitization workshop. The event was organized by the U.S. Embassy of Belize and hosted by the Belize Police Department. The officers learnt about some of the tactics and best practices being used within gang ridden communities in Los Angeles. Officer Commanding Eastern Division South shares why the cops took time off to learn about these initiatives as they beef up their own community policing efforts in the City.

Howell Gillett

Sr. Supt. Howell Gillett, Regional Commander, Eastern Division South

“The invitation was made to the Southside of Belize City but we didn’t take it alone. We invited officers from the north side, and also members of the clergy and as well as other key stakeholders, members of the public. There was almost seventy officers in total. We are so pleased with what was done in concert with the US Embassy. What was taught today, among other things, there are some of them being practiced already in Belize. But what we hear or what’s new to us is officers reading along with young people, shoes with Santa; so it tells us that we are on the right track and yes we can learn from other countries. And where it better to learn than Los Angeles that had a serious gang problem in the past and they are still coping with it. I know that the Embassy personnel had indicated that the next training will be in Belmopan and we are happy to have our officers across the country. It would be good to arrange for other officers in other districts learn all the best practices as it relates community oriented style policing.”