On December 13th, a gathering was held in San Pedro Town, where representatives from the Belize Police Association visited to promote the education and welfare of police officers. The Belize Police Association advocates for the rights, welfare, and professional development of police officers in Belize. It also fosters communication between its members and police leadership to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement.
Deputy Officer in Command Darwin Serrano welcomed Corporals Bol and Casimiro, expressing gratitude for their presence. “We are privileged to have two members of the police association with us,” he stated, emphasizing the association’s role as a crucial support system for officers whose voices often go unheard. Serrano highlighted the importance of the association in advocating for officers’ rights, stating, “They are the voice for the voiceless, and they speak for officers from inspectors downwards.” He emphasized that the initiative aimed to promote a positive relationship between the police department and its members, ensuring that as long as officers remained honest, they would receive support from the administration.
Corporal Bol, the police association’s secretary, explained its mission, “We focus on the welfare of police officers. We try to gather feedback from our officers to find out how best we can assist.” He noted that the officers in San Pedro were generally satisfied with the organization’s operations. To further enhance their support, Bol mentioned that discussions were ongoing with various insurance companies to develop advantageous insurance plans for the officers.
The visit also included a fundraising raffle to assist officers in need, featuring enticing prizes such as a motorcycle, an overnight stay at a resort, and free eye exams. Corporal Casimiro shared his motivation for joining the association: “I joined to become a part of change.” He recognized the challenges and the overwhelming support he has received since assuming this role, expressing optimism about their diplomatic strategy for building trust within the police community.
As the holiday season approaches, Inspector Serrano announced the preparations made by the San Pedro Police Department to ensure public safety during this busy time. “We started our operations in October,” he explained, detailing plans for increased patrols and strict enforcement against loitering and public drinking. “People want to feel safe going into grocery stores,” he added, emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance on driving under the influence.
Serrano also highlighted initiatives focused on keeping schoolchildren safe by discouraging late-night outings, especially during their time out of school. The San Pedro Police are dedicated to maintaining community peace and security, ensuring residents and tourists enjoy a safe holiday season.
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