Relocation Talk Grows as 911 Center and Police HQ Upgrades Compete for Funds

Even as government moves to patch up the old Eastern Division Police Headquarters, Home Affairs CEO Elton Bennett says the long-term plan isn’t to “abandon” Raccoon Street; it’s to relocate to a more suitable facility that can keep up with the police department’s growth. And when asked about rumors of selling property in Lake-I to fund a 911 center and a future full police station, Bennett flatly said he knows of no Lake-I property being sold, adding that the ministry is still hunting for funding because both a strong 911 service and headquarters upgrades remain urgent.

 

Elton Bennett, CEO, Ministry of Home Affairs

“Well, I wouldn’t use the word abandon, I would prefer to relocate. So, the plan is to relocate from Raccoon Street in the long term. Try to get a more suitable facility that can accommodate our constant growth of the police department.

 

Reporter

“We’ve also received reports that you guys also want to sell the property in Lake-I, for the purpose of raising funds for a 911 center on Lake-I Boulevard. Can you comment on that?”

 

Elton Bennett

“I know of no property being sold in Lake-I.”

 

Reporter

“So, the report is that the sale of the Caye Caulker police land was to pay for that 911 center and then develop it into a full police station on Lake-I Boulevard.”

 

Elton Bennett

“I believe I have addressed the Caye Caulker situation.”

 

Reporter

“So then, how do you fund that 911 center and the full-blown police station?”

 

Elton Bennett

“I think we are constantly looking for sources of funds. I know it’s a very important capability within the police department, the 911 service. And again, the Raccoon Street Headquarters is also very pressing as well. So we are constantly looking for funds to be able to accomplish this.”

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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