By Belize Live News Staff: The Belize Police Department is reviewing policies regarding firearm access for officers, following an incident where a policewoman, Janeau Arzu, fired a licensed service pistol at her common-law husband, Kendal Nunez, also a police officer, during a domestic dispute. The incident stemmed from allegations of infidelity. While charges against Arzu were initially filed and later dropped, Police Commissioner Chester Williams confirmed that further legal actions are being pursued.
Commissioner Williams emphasized the challenges police officers face in managing personal emotions while on duty, stating, “We all get excited at times about issues… It is difficult for some people to control that.” He highlighted ongoing efforts to address mental health concerns within the force through counseling and support programs but acknowledged that officers still experience significant stress.
Williams also discussed changes to firearm policies, suggesting that officers involved in domestic disputes may no longer be allowed to take their service weapons home. “If we have any police officer who is constantly involved in domestic issues, those police officers must never have a gun at home,” he stated.
The Belize Police Department is considering stricter protocols to mitigate future incidents of firearm misuse among its personnel, ensuring that officers in high-stress situations do not pose a danger to themselves or others.
