Community Participation

To reduce the tide of crime in Belize today, the advice of the police department will have to be taken more seriously: “Crime is everybody’s business; report crime.” Community members should stop the practice of finding fault with every move the police make to catch those responsible for crimes in our society. These people blame the police for being too hard on criminals through one side of the mouth, while blaming them through the other side for not being tough enough on crime. What do they really want?

Media Indifference or Facilitation Of Crime

The media should be in the business of reporting news, not in creating it or sensationalizing it. Some media houses such as Channel 7 can be said to be inciting violence in Belize by its tendency to sensationalize crime, and cast aspersions on the police department. This media house can be said to criminalize the noble police men and women who risk their lives for all of us, while decriminalizing the criminals. Seven does this by giving the perpetrators, alleged perpetrators of crimes and their relatives lengthy and suggestive interviews. On the other hand they ask the police department questions obviously intended to embarrass and cast doubt on every move the police make. There is also the radio station which believes that the police department is part of “the system” designed solely to track down and destroy black people. They seem to believe that whatever crime is in process should not be interfered with if the police press officer cannot explain to the radio host every action taken. This must stop!!!

Individuals Should Take Responsibility

Members of the public who live around those areas prone to crime should report crime. A person with a criminal tendency is dangerous. Once he or she has done it against someone else, you or a member of your family could be next. The sub-culture of seeing the police as a tool of an oppressive system is an idea of the colonial era and should be eradicated. If someone is doing a legitimate business, don’t ‘snitch’ on them. But if your neighbor commits a crime, or you witness one, report to the police.

The police department is in the process of publishing more creative ways the public can report crimes. One of such methods would be to show people better ways of using the internet and email to report crimes without leaving leads.

The UDP politicizes and instigates violent crime

The UDP does not know the causes of crime, so they cannot solve it. They are simply playing politics with people’s lives and instigating violence. As a responsible government, the PUP will continue to work for the people, and match new and emerging social and economic challenges pound for pound.