Tag:
commissioner of police
Police News
BDF personnel destroy hand grenade found on Ambergris Caye
On Monday, March 31st, a bomb expert from the Belize Defense Force (BDF) traveled to San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye after reports of a hand grenade found on the island. The grenade, located in northern Ambergris Caye, was handled with great care and was safely disposed of (destroyed) around midday, according to police reports. The police are continuing to investigate the origin of this dangerous object and any individuals who may be connected to its discovery.
Police News
Oscar Nal charged and remanded for rape
San Pedro resident Oscar Nal, also known as Omar, has been remanded to the Belize Central Prison following his arraignment at the San Pedro Magistrate Court on Monday, March 24th, on a charge of Rape. Nal is accused of raping an American tourist. He has been denied bail and will remain in custody until his next court date, which is scheduled for May 27, 2025.
Community and Society
NCFC hosts workshop on legal restrictions and sanctions of reporting on minors
On February 21, 2025, the National Commission for Families and Children (NCFC) in Belize held a journalism workshop at the Caribbean Motors Board Room. This event aimed to educate media professionals about the legal boundaries and penalties associated with reporting on minors and other vulnerable groups. The workshop emphasized the significance of protecting the rights and privacy of children in media coverage in alignment with international and national commitments to ensure their well-being.
Police News
Trial for 2023 Mass Murder set to start; Family of victims concerned over improper investigation
The ongoing case against Christian Espat and Michael Brown, accused of the October 2023 murders of Carlos Chi, Delmar Rodriguez, and his three-year-old daughter Amari Rodriguez in San Pedro Town, will go to court on January 25th. The victims’ families have been closely following the case but noted discontent with the current investigation, claiming it is being deliberately mishandled.
Community and Society
Compol’s New Year’s Message
The year 2024 was truly a challenging year for us as we navigated our policing plans through turbulent waters. However, the positive interventions and alterations in our plans enabled us to ride out those waves successfully. Now that the year is coming to its culmination, we can look back at our achievements with pride.
Government
UNDP and European Union Equip Police Prosecutors with Laptops and vLex Online Library to Enhance Case Efficiency
Under the PACE Justice Project, funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Belize Country Office, nine laptops were procured for police prosecutors, providing them with the necessary digital tools to facilitate case management, research, and communication.
Police News
Despite ComPol’s statement, there is no warrant for police brutality victim Ryan Melendez
Island resident Ryan Melendez, who was pistol-whipped by Sergeant Devon Makin weeks ago, was at the San Pedro Police Station on Monday, July 15th, accompanied by his attorney David McKoy, following reports that the police wanted him. Melendez was informed that he was not wanted by the police and walked out of the station without charge. McKoy said the family plans to sue the Belize Police Department, particularly the Commissioner of Police, for defamation.
Crime & Violence
San Pedro Police staying vigilant following State of Emergency declared on the mainland
Since March 26th, a state of emergency (SOE) has been implemented in some regions of southside Belize City, Hattieville Village, and Roaring Creek Village in the Cayo District. The motive behind this was to prevent any retaliation following three murders, one of which was a police officer. The police officers and Belize Defence Force soldiers have been targeting possible gang members in these areas. Therefore, many of them have fled to other parts of the country, including San Pedro Town. In the past week, the San Pedro Police Formation detained and removed several of these suspected gang members from the island.
