GSU accused of brutality?
A disturbing incident involving a team of officers attached to the Gang Suppression Unit, which resulted in allegations that as many as twenty Crooked Tree residents were physically assaulted, remains under investigation tonight. A group of young men, reportedly practicing for a weekend basketball tournament, came under attack last Monday when GSU personnel descended upon them while in search of drugs and weapons. Throughout the fracas several of the youths were allegedly beaten, including a young man, who claims that he was also pepper-sprayed on his genitals. During the police department’s weekly press conference this morning, Inspector Fitzroy Yearwood told the media that the matter is being investigated by the Professional Standards Branch.
Insp. Fitzroy Yearwood, Police Press Officer
Fitzroy Yearwood
“A team of investigators from our Professional Standards Branch visited that area last week visited that area last week where they recorded several statements and hopefully by the end of this week they will release the outcome of their investigation. I know that the Minister of National Security and the Commissioner of Police, along with other senior officers and other outside parties will meet with the members of the GSU this week to actually discuss justifiable force and harm with them. This is in light of these allegations that [have been made] with the names of members of that unit.”
Raphael Martinez, Public Relations Officer, Ministry of National Security
“By the way, just to clarify, just in case you want to ask, the Professional Standards Branch is what we formerly known as I.A.D. [Internal Affairs Department]. So they are now the Professional Standards Branch.”
Raphael Martinez
Insp. Fitzroy Yearwood
“The Professional Standards Branch, formerly IAD, was a small unit. It has been strengthened to take any amount of allegations made against police, the reports, to investigate it. They are properly equipped to investigate any allegation, not only against the GSU but other members of the Police Department. And the reason I am saying that the findings will be released by the end of this week [is because] they do a thorough investigation just like any other investigation branch in the police department and our findings will be made public as to that allegation and any other allegation that comes up towards or against the police. If these allegations are found to be false then you, the person that makes this allegation, or makes any allegation against a member of the department will likewise be dealt with under the law because the laws are there for you to abide by as a citizen. It is one thing to make an allegation and it’s another thing to even prove that allegation. It’s even harder to disprove the allegation but once it is made it sticks with the public and that is why the Professional Standards Branch has been tasked to clear any kind of ambiguities when these allegations are made.”
Incidentally, there were similar allegations of police brutality in Belize City a few days later; however, the department has gone on record to dispel those claims.
now you will see the gand dog Dean Barrow defending his private army of dogs(GSU) ,he needs them to terrorise peace loveing people, while the gangster left to play as they wish.
Not again. Enough is enough. Belizeans either support the GSU or show your gang support. Either we approve of the GSU or we approve of the gangs.
Let those with gang affilations and gang love step forward. You shall know them by the posts they make in this blog.
GSU beat them, shoot them, cripple them, kill them all – man woman or child. If it struts, wear gang colors, flash gang signs, or even cross the street after dark….. massacre them.
Belize supports the GSU.
I support the GSU and hope that the findings from this new Professional Standards Branch can clarify what happened and if there are any wrong doings by the GSU. I hope the GSU takes the time to take measures to rectify their practice and get back on program. Like every institution, you will make mistakes and you will have challenges, but nothing too dificult that management cannot rectify. So, an investigation is a good thing, use it to your advantage GSU. We still need the GSU to run things in the CITY and the more they improve the better they will be at what they do and the harder it will be for the criminals to cry foul or to cry any at all.
I support the GSU and hope they continue to deal with the criminal elements who from time to time seem to be winning the battle but I know the GSU will win the war
all of you who supported the thugs (GSU) one day will regret it, once they come down on member of your family, when your …….. are squeesed and your back is tasered.
no matter if you are a GSU dog or police, justice and being fair is fair.
Do not support the private army of the grand begger Dean Barrow, GSU must be terminated.
I know that policing Belize city is not easy, and GSU is regularly under stress. The elements they deal with are no alter boys. However I think that in the best interest of the Public, The GSU should get some kind of training to be as professionals as possible.
The GSU doesn’t have the right to terrorize innocent civilians nor do they have the right to physically abuse people, which is what they always do. What will happen when civilians start manifesting their GOD given right to defend themselves against evil? Well police and GSU everywhere will start to drop dead like flies. The day when police are thought of as criminals is already upon us, because thats what they are. Soon they will be hunted down and killed for their immoral actions. What comes around goes around.