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Witness Protection Unit established; murders up 31 per cent

GeneralWitness Protection Unit established; murders up 31 per cent
As the September 10 weekend, normally a festive time, saw much bloodshed, police officials – including Minister of Police Douglas Singh – held a press conference discussing their initiatives to address the community’s increased fear and providing the media with the latest crime stats – which show that in comparison to the year 2009, there has been a 31% increase in murders – 93 murders countrywide thus far for 2010, as opposed to 71 murders for the same period in 2009, being an increase of 22 homicides.
  
In an effort to create a situation where witnesses feel secure enough to come forth with critical information which could aid in a higher conviction rate, a Witness Protection Unit has been instituted, on which Minister Singh spoke.
  
The program was established to provide anonymity and protection for persons divulging vital information relating to the conviction of the murderers. Singh noted that the program is being handled by a specific officer and will be moved from the Police Department to the Ministry itself to decrease the possibility of internal corruption.
  
Singh said, “We have decided to put in place a witness protection program; there is a [24/7 mobile] telephone number that we have assigned to a specific officer; that officer will respond anytime that phone is called and will be able to meet with the witnesses and discuss the situation, evaluate the level of risk and put the appropriate measures in place.” The mobile number for the Unit, 670-0026.
  
“It [mobile WPU #] has been assigned to an officer who is somebody discreet, somebody who is professional, and he is somebody who does not come with any kind of baggage,” commented Singh.
  
Singh commented on the possibility of instituting an exchange of witnesses between Belize and Mexico. He has spoken about the issue with the Mexican Ambassador to Belize, Luis Manuel Lopez-Moreno, but noted that nothing has been agreed upon as yet.
  
Singh told the media that the WPU is currently in effect. However, the WPU is not the same as the Crime Stoppers Hotline, which is based in Miami, Florida, and answered by retired officers in strict confidentiality.
           
Singh said that the protection of persons is of the utmost importance, and safe houses have been created around the country. The police said that the witnesses’ identities will be kept secret. 
  
However, in the case of testifying witnesses, their identities and statements cannot be kept from accused persons. Singh told Amandala a few weeks ago, on the topic of witness protection, that it is unconstitutional for accused persons to be denied knowledge of persons who are making statements against them.
  
The officials also updated the media on the investigations into the four murders occurring over the holiday weekend. As the lead investigator, Alden Dawson, noted, “…We formed four teams consisting of senior investigators to deal with all four murders.”
  
Dawson explained that relating to the four murders, his investigating team has since canvassed the neighborhoods and has conducted interviews with 80 persons who they believe can assist them to apprehend the criminals.
  
An individual was detained and released in connection to the senseless murder of 8-year-old Eyannie Nunez; police say that they are seeking an additional person in connection with this case.
  
Nunez, a vibrant and beautiful little girl with her life ahead of her, was killed when gunman/men opened fire at her home as she was sleeping in her bed on Sunday, September 12, 2010, around 4:00 a.m.
  
Police recovered a total of seven 9mm expended shells and a total of nine bullet holes were observed on the wall of the family home. Police have since commented that they believe the murder of this minor was not intentional.
  
“We believe that the murder of Eyannie Nunez was caused over a firearm that is being held by a family member; the information is that he [the family member] refused to hand it back; that firearm may have led to the shooting,” said Dawson.
           
Dawson explained that in the other cases persons have been interviewed, but no arrests have been made as yet. “The police have launched a full-scale investigation into all four murders, but no arrests have been made. However, we want to bring those responsible for the murders to justice swiftly, especially in the case of little Eyannie,” Dawson further noted.
  
Commissioner Crispin Jefferies addressed the media on the police’s effort to curb the crime situation, noting that a total of 132 persons were arrested, but a total of 100 – these of the “known troublemakers” – were held for the entire weekend to keep down crime. He also said that a total of 170 officers were brought in on the streets during the celebrations to meet the increased demands.
  
In the upcoming six weeks, 100 new officers are to be recruited, as last year the Department failed to enlist new police officers. 
  
Other initiatives being undertaken include the establishment of a DNA laboratory, which Singh said should be created in the next six to eight months; a proposal has been sent to the United States Embassy with respect to the formation of this laboratory, in hopes of a donation and/or support.
   
“We are actively working on securing the equipment,” said Singh. 
  
Even with the proposed building of this laboratory, Singh explained, the recruiting of qualified persons to man the lab may take a while longer. They currently have sent out one person to study in the forensic field. 
  
In response to the closing down of businesses around the country scheduled for Thursday, September 16, an effort being led by the Belizeans For Justice, Minister Singh commented, “I think the shutdown will be effective in showing support for the kind of changes we need; I am sympathetic to the cause.”
  
Also on the panel at the conference were Assistant Superintendent Elodio Aragon, Jr., and Police Press Officer Sergeant Fitzroy Yearwood.  

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