Tag:
Belize Police department
Police News
Professional Standards Branch Brings Independent Police Oversight to San Pedro
The Belize Police Service's Professional Standards Branch (formerly Internal Affairs) has officially established a presence in San Pedro, with Officer in Charge Corporal Jose Hernandez confirming that the unit is now operational. The branch will handle complaints from residents of both San Pedro and neighboring Caye Caulker. Arrangements are currently underway to establish a permanent office outside of the San Pedro Police Station.
Community and Society
San Pedro Police Mark Police Week with Community Outreach
San Pedro police officers observed Police Week from June 14th to 20th with a series of community and departmental activities that began with a church service and included a park cleanup, school outreach, public engagement events, and an awards ceremony. Assistant Superintendent Egbert Castillo said the week is being celebrated by police formations nationwide, while officers in San Pedro are focusing on community service and strengthening relationships with residents.
Community and Society
Future of Caye Caulker Police Station Site Uncertain
Caye Caulker residents continue to demand answers about allegations that the beachfront property housing the community police station was put up for sale. Construction of the new police station on the site has halted, further raising concerns among Hicaqueños. Without clear responses from the central government, islanders, led by the Caye Caulker Village Council, have been voicing their concerns since April 13, holding public meetings and peaceful protests to seek clarity on the matter.
Community and Society
Lotus Program Highlights Mental Health as Belize Marks World Health Day
The Belize Police Department, including the San Pedro division, has established procedures to help officers manage the stress from graphic and violent crimes. At the core of these efforts is the Lotus Program, a peer-support mental health initiative aimed at addressing trauma caused by daily exposure to incidents like homicides, assaults, and other violent offenses.
Community and Society
Blue Teddy Bear Campaign launched to strengthen child protection efforts
Belize has officially launched the national “Blue Teddy Bear Campaign” to address violence and sexual abuse against children. Government agencies, UNICEF, and community partners introduced the initiative in Belize City, with plans for outreach in San Pedro. The event occurred on March 20th under the leadership of the National Commission for Families and Children (NCFC), in collaboration with UNICEF Belize and the Ministry of Human Development, Family Support, and Gender Affairs.
Police News
Police Present National Report; Major Crimes Drop in San Pedro
The Belize Police Department reported a 1% reduction in major crimes nationally for 2025, according to figures presented at the National COMPSTAT Meeting held on January 22 at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan. The report showed a decrease from 1,098 major crimes in 2024 to 1,086 in 2025. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, a 10% reduction in major crimes was recorded.
Government
Two Cohorts of the Belize Police Department Receive Community First Aid Response Training
In partnership with the University of Colorado and the Belize Police Department, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) hosted two two-day workshops on the Community First Aid Response (CFAR) Learning Programme. The training, attended by 60 police officers from across the country, focused on enhancing their ability to respond to emergencies within their communities.
Crime & Violence
Major Crimes Up, Domestic Violence Down in Belize’s Third Quarter Report
From July to September 2025, Belize recorded an increase in major crimes and murders, while domestic violence reports showed a notable decline. The Belize Crime Observatory’s latest third-quarter report revealed that the Belize Police Department documented a total of 300 major crimes during this period, 28 more than the same quarter in 2024. These included 21 murders, 14 rapes, 53 robberies, and 167 burglaries. In contrast, domestic violence reports dropped by 16 cases to 333.