What’s Behind the Belize City Police Flashy Night Patrols?
If you’ve driven through Belize City at night recently, you’ve probably noticed police patrol vehicles moving through neighborhoods with their revolving lights flashing, even when there’s no apparent emergency. The highly visible patrols are part of a new crime-fighting strategy being rolled out under Minister of National Security Michel Chebat, aimed at increasing the police presence on city streets and reassuring residents while deterring criminal activity. But the initiative has also raised questions among motorists about how they should react when encountering these patrols. ASP Stacy Smith explains the difference between a visibility patrol and an actual emergency response.
Reporter
“Can you speak to what we have seen in Belize City, police patrols at night going around with their lights on. Is that a new strategy and how are motorists supposed to respond? Because we know traditionally if you see police mobiles with their lights on, you pull over, what’s this operation now going on?”
Stacy Smith
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“What I will say is that persons are expected to be observant. If the vehicle is not moving at a speed, then certainly there is no urgency on the part of police, but the interest is to make it known that police are present in the area. So if you’re not hearing any horn or any siren, that is an indication that there is no urgency or no emergency at hand. So persons may continue to go about their lawful business. However, if it is that you see the revolving lights, you hear siren, and you hear the horn, then certainly that is an indication that there is an emergency, and persons are asked to act accordingly, which is to give way to the police officers.”
Minister of National Security Michel Chebat says the idea was presented by residents at community consultation meeting in Cayo.
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