New police website offers better access by public
It’s the part of police work that you don’t see every night on the news. Kendra Griffith reports that—like much of society—law enforcement is joining the information revolution.
Kendra Griffith, Reporting
This morning the Police Information Technology Unit unveiled its latest project, an official department website accessible by the general public.
Insp. Mario Alcoser, Manager, P.I.T.U.
“With the implementation of the police department website, we hope to enhance the public’s knowledge of police operations and to make the department a more open and accessible entity.”
The website provides information on the department’s history and structure, as well as downloadable application forms and a calendar of events. In relation to crime, the site has a photo gallery of missing and wanted persons, as well crime press releases. But the section that may get the most use is be the contact us feature.
Inaldi Cardona, Content Manager,
“Aside from keeping the public informed the website also allows the public to facility to allow the general public to submit tips, comments, and complaints to the police department by way of online report, feedback and complaint forms.”
The report form allows persons to anonymously give information on crimes or suspicious activity. Meanwhile, the complaint form removes the need to go into a police station to lodge formal grievances against department personnel.
Insp. Mario Alcoser
“By exploring this website, you might discover new ways of helping your family or community from becoming victims of crime or you may find a way of helping us to do our jobs a little better.”
According to P.I.T.U. Manager, Inspector Mario Alcoser, the seventeen-member unit has been in existence since 2003, investigating technology-based crimes and bringing the department into the digital era.
Insp. Mario Alcoser
“We have police officers, we have civilians. We have content manager, we have web developer, we have Mr. Noble consultant. And then we have other people who do network administration, who deal with security, we have a maintenance section, it’s varied you know.”
Harry Noble Sr., Computer Consultant, P.I.T.U.
“We have an IT infrastructure that rivals any infrastructure anywhere in the country. We do our own emails, we have our own intranet, our own chat system, we have our own instant messaging system. All hosted and protected by the police department.”
The police department website address is www.belizepolice.bz. Kendra Griffith reporting for News Five.
Due to a last-minute change in web host, visitors may experience some glitches when accessing certain features on the site.
