By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): Opposition Leader Tracy Panton says the viral video of a San Pedro police officer shoving a gun into a man’s mouth shows why accountability in law enforcement can no longer be optional.
Panton described the footage as deeply disturbing and pledged that a future UDP government would take a hard line.
“The next UDP government will institute a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY for abuse of power by ANY public official, particularly those entrusted with enforcing the law and protecting our people,” she said.
She said the incident demands real accountability through due process, adding that holding those in authority responsible is key to rebuilding public trust.
“There can be no green light for unprofessional behaviour or abuse of power. Law enforcement is not above the law,” Panton said.
She also stressed that citizen security depends on a partnership built on respect, professionalism and trust between police and communities.
The police department has suspended the officer, a member of the GI3 unit, and opened criminal and internal investigations. A second officer is also being investigated.
The incident comes at a tense time for the department. A state of emergency is in effect in parts of the Belize and Cayo Districts, attorney Dickie Bradley has warned police against unlawful detentions, and Panton has repeatedly called for Commissioner Dr. Richard Rosado to resign over what she describes as a failure to discipline rogue officers.
The post Panton: Next UDP government will have zero tolerance for abuse of power appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): Opposition Leader Tracy Panton says the viral video of a San Pedro police officer shoving a gun into a man’s mouth shows why accountability in law enforcement can no longer be optional. Panton described the footage as deeply disturbing and pledged that a future UDP government would take a hard
The post Panton: Next UDP government will have zero tolerance for abuse of power appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
