Soldiers join police force

On other police news, the police department graduated forty-three recruits on Friday, but this was a class with a difference. The majority of the new officers were former members of the Belize Defense Force who volunteered to “come over” to the Police Department to help fight crime. Training included drills and courses in criminal law, police procedures and human rights. The trainees also spent one month with Patrol Branch in Belize City interacting with the community. The Valedictorian was Pedro Romero and outstanding members of the squad received citations including the Baton of Honor and the Commandant’s Prize. A wreath was laid to remember policemen who have died while carrying out their duties.