ComPol Williams: “I will not cover up the wrongdoing of any police officer.”

Chester Williams

The names of the officers involved in the deadly high-speed chase in Orange Walk over the weekend are being withheld until further instructions have been given by the Director of Public Prosecutions.  But how is the Belize Police Department treating with the case, amid calls by the grieving family of Dyandre Chee, for full transparency?  Here’s how ComPol Williams responded to those questions.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“As soon as we have gotten the go ahead from the DPP in terms of action to be taken then we will release their names, just like we have done with every other incident that you would know. But again, like I said, we are dealing with human beings and all the weaknesses that the ordinary human being has, police officers have them too, we just have to make sure that, again, when we have these incidents that we hold our officers to account.  We believe that by holding officers to account it may also serve as a deterrent to those who may want to have the same mentality.”

Reporter

“Sir, the family clearly has concerns about police investigating police.  What can you give them to reassure them that there will be transparency and due diligence?”

Chester Williams

“I can tell them that so long as I sit here as Commissioner of Police, I will not cover up the wrongdoing of any police officer, none.  It will not serve us any good to do so and again, I would ask them to look at previous instances.  What did we do?  I think that our track record speaks for itself in terms of investigating our own because we took an oath of office to serve the people of this country fairly, without fear or favor, affection or ill-will and it must be to all manner of people.”