In an attempt to strengthen the relationship between the community and the police, a large contingent of police officers from Belize City, Caye Caulker and San Pedro Town held a meet and greet session in San Pedro Town. The activity took place on Wednesday, November 9th in the key areas San Mateo and San Pedrito, where officers interacted with residents.
Nearly 40 police officers spread out through the said subdivisions from 10AM to 3PM speaking to hundreds of residents who expressed their discomforts following the recent murders, especially in the San Mateo Area. According to Officer Commanding of Eastern Division North, Dezerie Phillips the reason for the meet and greet was to find out how residents are living in the areas considered ‘hot zones,’ and how the police can assist. “We are sending officers to visit as many households to get valuable information from the different people living those areas,” said Phillips. “We want to know if they feel safe, and if they are satisfied with the work the police are currently doing. At the same time we want them to know that we are here for them.”
The activity was considered successful as residents welcomed the law enforce agents to their homes for a chat. A main issue brought to the officers was the need for proper lighting in most of the areas of the sub-division. They complain that at night, it is hard to see who is walking on the streets or even in their yard. The residents applauded the recent initiative from the San Pedro Police as they have increased their patrolling in these neighbourhoods. They feel a bit safer now, since they believe that the police are interested in their well-being. The police were glad that the people were willing to not only listen to them, but offer their recommendations and ideas on how to improve.
The police are satisfied to have a closer relationship with the community, and they want to encourage islanders to always report any strange activities in their areas. For any emergencies or crime tips, The San Pedro Police can be reached any time at 206-2022.
