5 officers honored for doing the right thing

For the past two years the Belize Police Department has embarked on a citizen awards program for secondary school students.  The initiative known as the Do The Right Thing rewards teenagers for leading by positive example.  While that monthly activity has taken off, the Belmopan formation of the police department has reintroduced a similar program where it recognizes outstanding officers who do the right thing.  On Wednesday, Superintendent Howell Gillette hosted a luncheon in honor of the exceptional officers attached to his branch.  He says it is time that the men and women of law enforcement are recognized for their efforts.

Supt. Howell Gillette, O.C., Belmopan Police

“We had a reward dinner as such, a luncheon with the officers who did well fir the month of May and this will continue throughout the months and years to come under my leadership.  We will reinstate the Police Officer of the Month and as a matter of fact we have already identified one officer who will be for the month of May.  We continue to engage with the community and in the next two Saturdays from now we will be meeting with the community in a meet and greet session on the street, including myself and I would hope that you guys could be present to have us shown nationally for the efforts being made here at the Belmopan Police Station.”

Reporter

Howell Gillette

“So, what is the purpose of those items that you were doing within the police station here at Belmopan?”

Supt. Howell Gillette

“Well upon taking over morale was a bit not at the level that we wanted it to be, I want to improve on the morale of the officers so we can demand more of them and at the same time we want to have a good relationship with the public.  We are very committed to fighting crime but we believe that in fighting crime we need the communities effort so we are going to the community and we want to become one.  We want to hear from them how they want us to police them as such.”