Business Community Donates Police Booth

The Belize Police Department received a new police booth on Orange Street in Belize City. It was donated by local businesses. Previously operating from a tent, officers now have a safe space at the busy checkpoint near rival gang areas. Senior Superintendent Reymundo Reyes told us why this is important to policing in the area.

 

Sr. Superintendent Reymundo Reyes, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“At first, police officers used to use a tent, but because of certain reasons where we saw police officers were not actually moving around the way how we wanted. And we had a spike of shooting incidents within close proximity. Administration at that time decided to remove the tents, not only from this area, but from other areas within the city. But the community is the one who actually saw the need and donated this boot for the officers here. This is a key point within the city where we have people travelers from the Taylors Alley area into the George Street area, and it’s a business hub. So having a police presence here actually assists us in minimizing incidents of robbery shootings and so forth. We welcome the assistance of the community, the see it necessary. They approach administration in Belmopan and they agreed that yes, you could come assist us. And they donated the bill for the officers here.”

 

Reporter

“The issue with ventilation, I know that they have the doors completely open. I think the had mentioned that they’d get windows to the back as well,”

 

Sr. Superintendent Reymundo Reyes

“That is being looked at. Definitely from this afternoon I will have somebody come, take measurements and so forth so that they could start to work. And then, because we need visual on that back area of the building to see vehicles or people coming from the other side.”

 

Reporter

“It’s certainly an upgrade from a tent. It’s, made out of plastic. Are we sure that this will be durable? And last the test of time?”

 

Sr. Superintendent Reymundo Reyes

“Like how I said, we appreciate this is a donation given to us, the police department. It’ll actually shelter officers from the wait that is one from the heat two. And it make me feel, make them feel more comfortable when they have their time for their lunch or so far that they could have somewhere to sit down and have their lunch or breakfast.”