A disturbing display of police conduct is raising serious questions about the use of force within the Belize Police Department tonight. A graphic video circulating on social media has captured an officer in San Pedro Town placing an unholstered firearm directly into the mouth of a defenseless man lying on his back, with family members nearby witnessing the horrifying encounter. The footage has sparked outrage and placed the department under intense public scrutiny. In response, police high command has moved swiftly, condemning the officer’s actions in the strongest terms and immediately suspending him pending criminal and internal investigations. But with the incident now under investigation, questions remain about what led to that confrontation and whether the officer will be held fully accountable. Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith, Staff Officer of the Belize Police Department, explains the department’s response.
Stacy Smith
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“The police department has taken note of the video circulating on social media which depicts a police officer’s unjustified handling and use of a firearm in relation to an encounter that he had with an individual in San Pedro Town. I must put on record that the department unequivocally condemns the conduct depicted in this video. And because of this, the department has initiated both criminal and disciplinary investigations into the conduct that was viewed in the video, and the particular officer has been placed on immediate suspension. I will similarly like to use this opportunity to remind all police officers that the authority that is vested in them must be exercised lawfully, responsibly, and with restraint. Officers are expected to maintain their composure and professionalism at all times, irrespective of the threats, the insults, and the disrespect that we endure whilst going about doing our duty. The Belize Police Department will stand firmly behind every officer who conducts himself within the confines of the law. However, whenever a police officer steps outside of that, that police officer will be held accountable. The uniform carries authority; however, that authority must always be exercised with discipline… Whilst it is that we are under a state of emergency in certain parts of the country, that is by no means a carte blanche for police officers to conduct themselves in ways that [do not benefit] the country or does not paint the department in a positive light.”
The suspended officer caught on camera is a member of the GI3 unit. Police confirmed that a second officer involved in the encounter is also under investigation. ASP Smith emphasized that while a State of Emergency remains in place in select areas, officers are expected to operate strictly within legal limits.
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