Police seek increased recruitment

At the beginning of the 21st century a career in law enforcement does not seen to have the appeal of more high tech–and high pay–occupations. This is particularly true for high school graduates in Belize City. Now, during Police Week, the department is using the opportunity to sell itself in the city’s secondary schools. This morning we caught up with Assistant Inspector of Police Thomas Ramirez, as he spoke to third formers at Edward P. Yorke High.

Assistant Inspector Thomas Ramirez, Patrol Branch

Selling the Police Department in regards to young members that we’d like to come in and join the Police Department.”

Ann-Marie Williams

“Is there a particular area or section of the force that the students found most interesting?”

Assistant Inspector Thomas Ramirez

“Yes. They were concerned mostly with the behaviour of police officers on the streets. That was one of my concerns with them too. We’re trying to weed out all the sick police officers that we have in regards to their behaviour with the general public.”

“We’re also doing presentations like this during career days, were we come out and talk with the students. It is very important for the students once they have that knowledge and those information from the police, we get somewhere with them.”

The police will be involved in several activities such as open days, school and community visits and parades throughout the country. Police Week has as its theme: “The Police and the Community Working in Partnership for a Safer Belize.”

Another event of Police Week took place on Sunday, when some of Belize’s finest were honoured at the Belize Police Department’s Medals and Awards Ceremony. Distinguished service medals were presented to both Police Commissioner Hughington Williams and his assistant Jose Carmen Zetina. Meritorious service awards for exemplary conduct, devotion to duty and long service were received by Police Superintendents Maureen Lesley and Gerald Bernard. Assistant Inspector Conrad Jones received the second Clasp medal for over three decades of service to the department, while eighteen officers received long service and good conduct medals. Governor General Sir Colville Young issued the awards at the annual ceremony.