Drones Playing Big Role in Police Strategy

If you look up in certain neighborhoods across Belize City today, you might spot something new in the sky, police drones quietly sweeping over hotspots as part of a modern push to stay one step ahead of crime. It’s all coming out of the department’s Crime Fusion Unit, which is leaning heavily into technology to track suspects, respond faster, and build stronger cases. In fact, over the weekend, investigators credited surveillance tools for helping them move quickly on a shooting in the city. Now, drones and an expanded network of cameras are becoming key pieces of the police crime‑fighting playbook. Staff Officer Stacy Smith explains how it all works.

 

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“As Commissioner Rosado has stated on numerous occasions, the move of the department is to move towards a technologically sound department. We try as best to equip ourselves with the necessary technological skills and appliances that are able to assist us. We have secured quite a number and those are what are being used. And as you indicated, they were helpful in last week’s apprehension after a shooting incident. And the use of a eye in the sky provides more coverage than a person or a fleet of persons on the ground can.”

 

Shane Williams

“Are these drone use not only in response to crime, but as prevention as well? I notice in the precinct one area, there is always a drone at night.”

 

ASP Stacy Smith

“Yes, as a part of our crime fighting strategy, our ultimate desire is to prevent crime. You know, so when these drones are up, or when the Fusion Center has their camera and they notice certain movements, that is when the officers who are out on patrol are indicated to take certain steps.”

 

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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