A group of 12 Special Police Constables are undergoing training in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, to enhance their skills and equip them with a basic understanding of policing procedures and current laws. This training is a collaboration between the San Pedro Police Formation, the National Police Training Academy, and the Training Planning and Support Unit. The sessions are held at the San Pedro Library from October 28th to November 8th. At the end of the two-week program, the Special Constables will receive certificates of completion.
The Special Constables are community members who volunteer their time with the local police force. Inspector Darwin Serano mentioned that, with the island’s growing population, they need this assistance and are grateful to have the Special Constables on board. He emphasized that crime does not take a break, so it’s essential to stay one step ahead in ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors. Serano also stated that the training will enable the constables to perform their duties more effectively.
Superintendent Egbert Castillo, chief of the San Pedro Police Station, stated that the training for Special Constables is essential due to frequent changes in the country’s laws. “We have decided to train these Special Constables who will be patrolling the streets alongside us,” Castillo said. “This training will enable them to improve their duties and provide additional professional services to the public.” He emphasized that the program’s primary goal is to ensure that everyone is up to date with the recent amendments to the country’s laws.
One of the instructors, Sergeant Kimbolean Wade, added that the trainees will also learn about the laws that govern their responsibilities. “Some of the lessons will clarify what they can do as Special Constables,” she explained. “The training will enhance their existing knowledge and equip them with new information, such as the latest amendments to the Firearm Act,” Wade stated that after completing the training, the constables will be expected to carry out their duties more efficiently and provide better assistance to the local police force.
Wellington Thomas, the President of the Special Constables, stated that the upcoming training will benefit both new and experienced constables. He emphasized that it is a privilege to serve the community alongside the police force and to help maintain the peace and safety of La Isla Bonita. Thomas expressed gratitude to the San Pedro Police Formation for the opportunity and expressed eagerness to continue collaborating with them to better serve the island community.
The training will cover essential topics, including the fundamental concepts of policing, the roles and functions of the Belize Police Department, and the Belize Constitution, which outlines fundamental rights and freedoms. Participants will also learn about relevant laws such as the Intoxicating Liquor License Act, Firearm Act, Misuse of Drugs Act, criminal liability, degrees of crime commission, powers and methods of arrest, powers and methods of search, and handcuffing techniques (defensive tactics).
Additionally, the training will address the care and treatment of prisoners, the use of justifiable force, the packaging of exhibits, analysis forms, police notebook theory, and the presentation of evidence accepted by the court. Finally, it will cover court functions, methods of providing evidence, report writing (both theoretical and practical), case file compilation, and the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act.
Organizers have announced that at the conclusion of the training, a mock trial will take place in which the Special Constables will be tested on their ability to apply what they have learned. The training is being facilitated by Coordinator Inspector Serano, Sergeant Wade, Corporal Derek Ciego, Corporal Jason Segura, Corporal Andre Almendares, Police Constable Harris Gabriel, and Corporal Ashton Westby.
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