Police do volunteer clean-up at shelter

While there is no shortage of crimes that need both solving and preventing, the police force is entitled to put in some time on projects that are not considered classic law enforcement. As activities continue for Police Week Hyacinth Latchman found some officers reaching for paintbrushes instead of billy clubs.

Supt. Yolanda Murray

“We have member of the quick response team from the police force in Belize City doing some painting of the Raymond Parks Shelter and also cleaning up the yard. They have already done the cutting of the lawn. They will be removing whatever garbage we have within the compound here or grass that they have cut. Our Minister of National Security is here assisting us and we also have a member of the public who is working along with the police today. That meets right into our theme, “The police and the community working in partnership for a safer Belize.”

Murray says that it was not difficult to get the Policemen geared up to do hard work and they came to the Shelter early this morning well prepared. An added boost to morale was the helping hand offered by Minister of National Security Jorge Espat.

Jorge Espat, Minister of National Security

“Its quite a rewarding feeling this morning to join members of the Belize Police Force to do a community effort through Police week. I think the whole effort has been to take the police back to the community where the police belong.”

As to what direction the new government will be taking the force, Espat says that the plans will soon be revealed.

Jorge Espat

“Friday night at the Police banquet we are going to announce some major changes inside the police force, as well as some significant initiatives and am I hope that will improve the performance of the force.”

While Espat admitted that there is much room for improvement in the force he noted that there are a number of officers who are performing admirably and deserve commendation.