ComPol Expects Espat to bring “Fresh Perspective” to Department
Cabinet is moving quickly to contain the fallout from the Oscar Mira controversy, shuffling key ministries and trying to steady public confidence. With Mira now on administrative leave, Prime Minister John Briceño has tapped Julius Espat to step into Home Affairs, while Henry Charles Usher assumes responsibility for Enterprise. The shake-up comes under mounting scrutiny over millions paid to MP Farms. Today, Police Commissioner Dr. Richard Rosado weighed in, voicing optimism that Espat could bring a fresh approach to policing, even as he fielded tough questions about whether the department awarded an air conditioning contract to a member of Mira’s family.
Richard Rosado
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
“Well, our meeting is scheduled for this afternoon, but I had a brief discussion with him. And I believe he bring a fresh perspective to policing. His perspective will be able to challenge our assumption and create better strategies for us within the police department. I gather that he supports a more balanced approach in policing, one that encompass combining effective policing with targeted social intervention program. And I do support that initiative because it will be able to allow us to suppress crime today and prevent it from happening tomorrow.”
Reporter
“Either way, though, you’re not looking to really shake things up, right? Because it’s only an interim post right now. And if it is that Minister Mira were to be removed, then they’d actually have to find a permanent minister.”
Dr. Richard Rosado
“I believe the leadership within the police department whoever is the minister, we will work along with them. And I believe that they all bring a fresh perspective that will challenge our assumption in how we do policing.”
Reporter
“Did Mr. Mira at any time instruct the police department to acquire AC servicing and installation services from his brother, Cyrus or FT Williams?”
Dr. Richard Rosado
“I can say that at no time did the minister or anyone instructed the police department to purchase from any supplier.”
Reporter
“Did the police department use FT Williams for its air conditioning repair? And is the contract for those services based on receiving multiple estimates from other service providers?”
Dr. Richard Rosado
“The way the police department is structured, we have the accounting officer, which is the CO. The CO then delegate authority to myself and my four deputies. My four deputies oversee the different units that fall under them. They have different suppliers. We do not- I do not know the specific suppliers that each one would engage, but we have a number of suppliers that have worked with the Belize Police Department.”
Although Mira has been placed on leave, Prime Minister John Briceño firmly maintains that all proper procedures were followed for the MP grocery bags.
ComPol Rosado Responds to August’s Claims of Digital Hacking
Tonight, a dispute over digital privacy and police powers continues to take center stage. Former UDP Deputy Chairman Alberto August says authorities are trying to hack into his phones; devices seized during a May thirtieth search of his home. He insists the investigation is tied to his social media posts about Home Affairs Minister Oscar Mira and says the seizure has disrupted his business and daily life. But Commissioner of Police Dr. Richard Rosado is rejecting those claims, maintaining that investigators are following strict legal procedures, and that any access to digital evidence will only happen with a court-approved warrant. He adds that police believe an offense was committed and are confident the case will stand up in court.
Richard Rosado
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
“I am confident that what was that an offense was committed, and I’m confident that the police department will have a successful prosecution.’
Reporter
“So is there any truth to the police department trying to get into or get access to the records on Mr. August’s phone?”
Dr. Richard Rosado
“Please appreciate that there’s certain protocol, certain procedures that the investigator must follow whenever they’re investigating crimes that involve digital evidence.”
Reporter
“But you all had access to his phones, correct? Is it that you could not get into them? Because what he’s alleging is that you are using technology and to access his phone remotely.”
Dr. Richard Rosado
“We have one specialized unit within the police department that is in Belize City that have a licensed and operational Cellebrite that is used to extract and analyze digital evidence. However, before we access any devices, we must seek the warrant from the court, and that process is being applied for us to get the warrant in order for the necessary abstraction extraction analysis to be done.”
Commissioner Rosado also refuted all claims that Albertpo August was released from police detention after an order was made from the Prime Minister.
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