San Pedro Officer Suspended After Shoving Gun Into Man’s Mouth

A police officer has been placed on immediate suspension as the Belize Police Department investigates a video showing the officer placing his firearm inside a man’s mouth during an encounter in San Pedro Town.

ASP Stacy Smith says the department has launched both criminal and disciplinary investigations into the incident and has condemned the conduct depicted in the video.

“The department unequivocally condemns the conduct depicted in this video,” Smith said.

The officer, who is reportedly attached to the GI3 unit, is among two officers whose conduct is under investigation. Smith confirmed that investigations have commenced into the actions of both officers but did not provide further details.

“The Belize Police Department will stand firmly behind every officer who conducts himself within the confines of the law. However, whenever a police officer steps outside of that, that police officer will be held accountable,” Smith said.

Smith also encouraged anyone who has experienced alleged police misconduct to report it to the Professional Standards Branch or the Office of the Commissioner of Police, rather than limiting their complaints to the media.

“Whilst it is that we are under a state of emergency in certain parts of the country, that is by no means a carte blanche for police officers to conduct themselves in ways that do not benefit the country or paint the department in a positive light,