The United States Embassy 2014 Woman of the Year, Acting Commissioner of Police Dezerie Phillips, is now the new Commanding Officer of the Belize District Police (Eastern Division), the police high command announced today.

ACP Phillips is now the second woman to lead the Eastern Division police formation, which was first led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Maureen Leslie, who has retired from the department. Phillips replaces Deputy Commissioner of Police Miguel Segura.

Phillips joined the Belize Police Department on December 1, 1985, and worked her way up the ranks to her current post. She was one of two deputy officers commanding Eastern Division, the largest formation in the Police Department.

Phillips was primarily responsible for community policing and the enhancement of its administration.

Phillips’ passion is community engagement and empowerment. She held the post of Commander Community Policing for three years before she was transferred from Belmopan to Belize City.