Police Officers Reminded of Chain of Command

The Belize Police Department has issued a stern warming reminding officers that they must follow the chain of command during investigations involving outside agencies. The memo was issued on September twenty-fifth and states that officers must first get approval from the Commissioner’s office before dealing with external bodies. Acting ComPol Jones explained that his intent is not to frustrate the work of the police or micromanage his officers.

 

Bart Jones, Acting Commissioner of Police

“It is a pity that police officer instead of complying would find it necessary to circulate internal memos to stir mischief. I have since gotten calls from Custom officers requesting, so quite the contrary. The intent is to ensure that the chain of command is maintained in terms of relations with these agencies so that it will enhance the relationship. there are times when the department or the commissioners officer would be called upon certain incidents where police officers were involved and the office would have no idea and would have to be calling and it is kind of embracing There are situations where guidance could be had in certain investigations to enhance our relationships. We have had concerns from other agencies where police officers are contacting them requesting information. So they are also asking the protocols be maintained in terms of communications. How would they know this is a personal inquiry or a sanctioned inquiry. So the intent is to enhance the relations with these other agencies that we continue to enjoy. There has been occasions where customs would report that certain drugs are handed over to police and after inquiry we find out that yes it was handed, so just to enhance the relationship, not to deter.”