By Breaking Belize News Staff: The Belize Police Department has suspended an officer and launched criminal and disciplinary investigations into the conduct of two police officers following the circulation of a disturbing video showing an officer allegedly placing his firearm inside the mouth of a man lying defenseless on the ground in San Pedro Town.
During a virtual press briefing on Friday afternoon, November 6, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Stacy Smith condemned the incident, describing the officer’s handling and use of the firearm as unjustified.
The video shows an armed officer confronting a man lying on his back in the presence of his family. The officer is reportedly heard telling the man, “Look how simple you look in front of your family,” before holstering his weapon and walking away.
Smith confirmed that the officer, who is attached to the department’s GI3 unit, has been placed on immediate suspension pending the outcome of the investigations.
“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 called accountable,” Smith stated.
In an official press release issued Friday, the department confirmed that both criminal and disciplinary investigations have been initiated into the conduct of the officers involved, although only one officer has been suspended.
“The Department unequivocally condemns the conduct depicted in the video,” the release stated.
Police emphasized that officers are expected to maintain their composure and professionalism regardless of the threats, insults or disrespect they encounter while carrying out their duties.
Smith also confirmed that the conduct of a second officer present during the incident is under investigation, although she did not specify whether any disciplinary action had been taken against that officer.
When questioned about the circumstances surrounding the confrontation, Smith said she was unaware of the precise reason for the interaction or whether anyone had been detained or charged.
She noted that several police operations have been conducted in San Pedro, including a major operation on November 4 that resulted in ten individuals being arrested and charged following the discovery of two 9mm pistols, more than 46 rounds of ammunition, 259 grams of cocaine and 32 grams of cannabis.
However, Smith stressed that she could not establish whether the incident captured in the video was connected to those operations.
Asked about allegations that the same officer had previously mistreated another individual at a checkpoint, Smith said she was unaware of any previous complaints and encouraged anyone alleging misconduct to report it to the Professional Standards Branch or the Office of the Commissioner of Police.
Smith further emphasized that the ongoing State of Emergency does not give police officers unrestricted authority to mistreat members of the public.
“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,” Smith said.
The department’s official statement reinforced that position, stressing that while police will support officers who use necessary, reasonable and legally justified force, that support must never be mistaken for a willingness to shield or excuse misconduct.
Authorities have committed to conducting thorough investigations and holding any officers found to have acted unlawfully accountable.
No criminal charges have been announced against either officer at this time.
The post GI3 officer suspended, criminal and disciplinary investigations underway over disturbing San Pedro gun video appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: The Belize Police Department has suspended an officer and launched criminal and disciplinary investigations into the conduct of two police officers following the circulation of a disturbing video showing an officer allegedly placing his firearm inside the mouth of a man lying defenseless on the ground in San Pedro Town.
The post GI3 officer suspended, criminal and disciplinary investigations underway over disturbing San Pedro gun video appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
