Police Officer Under Investigation for Shoving Woman

A Belize Police officer is under investigation after a disturbing video surfaced showing him shoving a woman to the ground during a heated confrontation outside her home in Belize City. The incident happened as a family was holding a wake for a baby, with mourners gathered both inside and along the street. In the footage circulating online, officers are seen ordering people to move indoors. Tensions quickly rise, words are exchanged, and moments later the officer appears to push the woman who was recording the scene, sending her to the ground. The video has since sparked public outrage and renewed concerns about police conduct. Senior Superintendent Reymundo Reyes confirmed today that the matter has been referred to the Professional Standards Branch.

 

Sr. Superintendent Reymundo Reyes, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“This morning, I started a video recording. PSB has been directed to look into the matter, so that matter will be investigated and reports will be given. If the person comes to the police station and makes a complaint, then it’ll be dealt with.”

 

Britney Gordon

“And when it comes to what the police were actually trying to enforce there of getting these people off of the street, is that something that is considered in a law given that those people don’t have like space for a veranda and they want to just commune in their community?”

 

Sr. Superintendent Reymundo Reyes

“What people have to realize, we, the police officers when we approach situations like this, is because we try to minimize incidents from happening. When we have persons hanging around on the street side or in front of a house, they become a target to the situation. So maybe the way how the police officer handled the situation was not that perfect or professional, but his intent was to have them in a safe area inside the premises for avoid them being a victim for shootings. We have seen it over and over that whenever people see gatherings and so forth, that is what they take advantage of and shootings happen.”