By Belize Live News Staff: The Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries has issued a public response following widespread concern about the deteriorating condition of the Racoon Street Police Station, especially after video footage surfaced showing its state during recent rainfall.
Acknowledging the public’s concern, the Ministry assured Belizeans that the well-being of police officers and the integrity of law enforcement infrastructure remain top priorities. Officials noted that while recent media coverage may have taken a light-hearted tone, the issue highlights decades of deferred maintenance and underinvestment in police facilities across the country.
In response, the Ministry said it is already implementing a phased, nationwide improvement plan to upgrade working and living conditions for police officers. As part of this immediate response, the Ministry is actively pursuing temporary accommodations for officers currently operating from the Racoon Street Police Station.
Over the past year, the Ministry reported progress in rehabilitating more than a dozen police stations and substations across Belize. These upgrades have included roof repairs, plumbing enhancements, electrical improvements, and the installation of proper drainage systems. In several cases, entire buildings were overhauled to restore structural safety and functionality.
Looking to the future, the Ministry is working with international partners to design and construct modern, climate-resilient police facilities, including a new flagship police headquarters on Chetumal Street, funded by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) under the Belize Integral Security Programme.
The Ministry concluded by extending gratitude to the officers at Racoon Street for their dedication and professionalism under challenging conditions, calling their resilience a testament to the spirit of the Belize Police Department.
