Police Officer Under Investigation

The Professional Standards Branch (PSB) is investigating an incident in which a police officer shoved a woman in an altercation in Belize City that has now gone viral.

Senior Superintendent Reymundo Reyes said the officer’s actions were intended to protect individuals from becoming targets of crime. “What people have to realise, when police officers approach situations like this, is that it is because we try to minimise incidents from happening,” Reyes said.

In the footage, the grieving mother explains that her family was holding a wake for her baby. Her home faces directly onto the street, and police officers were demanding that they go inside. She appeared to be standing just at the doorway and said she did not see the need to be forced in. One officer responded, “Is this a veranda then?”

Moments later, the woman recording appears to have been pushed to the ground by the officer as he approached someone speaking behind the camera.

The incident sparked public backlash online. Reyes acknowledged concerns, saying, “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, to avoid them being a victim for shootings.”

He added that the officer will face internal review, and if a formal complaint is filed, the matter will be further investigated.