Belize City, Mon. Sept. 27, 2021– Noting the recent rise in crimes in the Belize City area, the Eastern Division of the Belize Police Department held a meeting today, Monday, September 27, to discuss measures that are to be implemented to address the increasing frequency of violent incidents.

The department’s Eastern Division has oversight over Belize City, within which a number of gang zones are located. Senior Superintendent Richard Rosado said that the department has now mobilized more units into these areas and has launched targeted operations.

The Police Department has indicated that, as part of its commitment to reform, it will be working in conjunction with the Behavior Modification Center, Leadership Intervention Unit, and the Department of Youth Services, among other stakeholders. Rosado noted that several initiatives have been undertaken that have so far been bearing some fruits — the most notable being the truce between the Peace in the Village (PIV) and Backa Lands Crip (BLC) gangs. Rosado noted that these gangs that called for a cease-fire were not involved in the recent Belize City shootings, which is a signal that there might be some hope for future intervention measures.

The Commissioner of Police noted, however, that a more forceful approach will have to be taken toward those criminals who refuse to stop engaging in unending bloodshed. “The level of treatment must be different so that [criminals] can understand that enough is enough. I hope that we are going to get the cooperation from the public. This is the only way we will be able to restore our country,” he said.