If you have noticed more police vehicles with flashing lights patrolling Belize City, it is no coincidence. National Security Minister Michel Chebat says the department has stepped up its presence in crime hotspots following the recent surge in murders. The goal is to make police more visible and discourage violence before it happens. Inspired by a resident’s suggestion during a community meeting in Cayo, the patrols form part of a wider security plan that will also use technology to target crime.
Michel Chebat
Michel Chebat, Minister of National Security
“That’s part of the strategy we’ve implemented. As you know, a couple weeks, the last two weeks we’ve seen some incidences of shooting and murders in the city. And while I can’t disclose all the strategies that the police have implemented, certainly highlighting and having more boots on the ground and more presence is one of them.”
Shane Williams
“And in addition to boots on the ground, I know you can’t divulge strategy, but what – you’re also in charge of energy and other ministries that focus a lot on technology. Are you bringing technological approaches to the Ministry of National Security as well?”
Michel Chebat
“That is one of the main things we’re, we’re focusing on. As you know, throughout the city and throughout the country, we have set up over 1,000 cameras, and part of that is a fighting tool, a crime fighting tool we have. And so the task is really to start deploying, analyzing, and deploying the analysis that we get from those cameras.”
The Belize Police Department has also added ATV patrols to hotspots in Belize City.
Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.
Watch the full newscast here:
