The Belize District Police has gotten a new police chief — Assistant Commissioner of Police Miguel Segura, who took over from Deputy Commissioner of Police Elodio Aragon, Jr., today Monday, January 14, at the Racoon Street Police Station.

Assisting Segura are two deputies – Sr. Superintendents Desiree Phillips and Marlon Allen. The two deputies will be in charge of Community Policing and Operations.

Aragon has been transferred to Belmopan as Deputy Commissioner with responsibility for police operations countrywide.

In handing over, DCP Aragon said that over the two years he has been the person in charge of the Belize District police, there have been many improvements, many changes and many challenges, but changes are a part of evolution, and the department is evolving.

The focus is to triumph over the battle, to reduce crimes and to have a safe and peaceful community, and this takes hard work and dedication, he continued.

Aragon says he is confident that Miguel Segura and his two deputies will impact the crime situation in the city, adding that although he will be in Belmopan, he still has his thoughts on the old capital.

In taking over command, ACP Miguel Segura said that he is up to the challenge and committed to the battle against crime. He will emphasize community policing, with a focus on operations.

Segura said that crime-fighting will be a shared responsibility between the police and the community. He mentioned that San Ignacio is a shining example, where the residents are active in the crime-fighting effort, and this is the type of policing that will successfully address crime in the city.

ACP Miguel Segura is a police veteran of 25 years.