By Belize Live News Staff: Following a year marked by an alarming rise in traffic fatalities, including a December accident that claimed ten lives in a single incident, the Belize Police Department has announced the launch of a dedicated Road Policing Unit.
The unit, set to be officially launched next Monday, will focus not only on traffic violations but also on combating cross-border crimes such as human trafficking, smuggling, and firearms trafficking. According to Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, the unit will deploy officers to strategic checkpoints across the country to secure highways and byways while addressing a range of issues.
“We’ll see more checkpoints in strategic areas, and their duties will include addressing human trafficking, firearms trafficking, drug trafficking, and other transnational organized crimes,” Williams explained. The officers will also be empowered to issue tickets for traffic violations and collaborate with the Ministry of Transport to enforce stricter road safety measures.
The initiative comes as part of a broader effort to curb traffic-related fatalities, which reached crisis levels in 2024. The police will also push for legislative amendments, particularly concerning stricter penalties for drunk driving. “We believe [this] will help to serve as a deterrent to those persons who drive under the influence and violate road traffic rules,” Williams added.
Authorities hope the initiative will not only save lives but also strengthen public trust in law enforcement’s ability to tackle complex challenges.
