Posted: Saturday, September 6, 2025. 7:25 am CST.
By Horace Palacio: Joseph Budna has openly blamed the police for his abduction, pointing fingers at elements within the department and igniting a firestorm of questions about whether law enforcement itself was involved. At the Investment Summit in San Pedro, the press put this directly to Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa, asking if there is a “black ops” team, rogue officers operating in the shadows under the cover of authority.
The answer, whether politicians admit it or not, is yes. To pretend otherwise would be to ignore the ugly truths that too many Belizeans have already lived through, cases where men with badges turned into predators, abusing the very authority meant to protect.
But here is where we must be equally honest: alongside the rogues are men and women in uniform who love Belize deeply. Officers who wake up every day, put on the same badge, and walk into danger not for power or pay, but because they genuinely want to defend their country. These are the ones who work silently, who chase criminals through back alleys, who stand watch at our borders, and who refuse to compromise their oath even when corruption tempts from every corner.
The presence of rogue elements is undeniable. They thrive in the shadows, hidden behind bureaucracy, political protection, or the simple fear of speaking out. They stain the reputation of the police department and chip away at the public’s trust. And until they are rooted out, the suspicion that Belize has its own “black ops” within the police will never fade.
Yet, painting the entire department with the same brush would be just as reckless. We cannot condemn all for the sins of some. The good cops deserve our recognition, our respect, and, perhaps most importantly, the resources to stand strong against those who disgrace the badge.
The fight against rogue cops cannot only be about exposure; it must be about elevation. Elevating the culture of integrity. Elevating the officers who embody service. Elevating the vision of a police force that belongs to the people, not to shadowy networks or political masters.
So yes, rogue cops exist. But so do the good ones. And Belize’s future security depends on whether we, as a nation, can summon the courage to confront the former without forgetting to honor the latter.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author, Horace Palacio, and do not necessarily reflect the views or editorial stance of Breaking Belize News.
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The post Yes, rogue cops exist, but so do the good ones appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Saturday, September 6, 2025. 7:25 am CST. By Horace Palacio: Joseph Budna has openly blamed the police for his abduction, pointing fingers at elements within
The post Yes, rogue cops exist, but so do the good ones appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
