By Belize Live News Staff: Opposition Leader Tracy Panton has delivered one of her sharpest criticisms yet of the Belize Police Department, saying many Belizeans no longer see it as a force they can trust.
“The Police Department, and this is no secret, is widely seen as a gang themselves,” Panton said.
Her comments came as she again pressed for the removal of Commissioner Dr. Richard Rosado, arguing that his leadership has not delivered results in the fight against crime.
Panton said police leadership must meet the highest standards of transparency and accountability, especially when it comes to protecting citizens. In her view, the current high command falls below the standard Belize deserves.
She pointed to what she called an unwillingness to discipline rogue officers and the use of the security apparatus for detentions that may be unconstitutional.
Those concerns come at a sensitive moment. Under the 30 day state of emergency, police have expanded powers to search and detain residents. Attorney Richard “Dickie” Bradley has also warned that the Court of Appeal has ruled a state of emergency cannot be used as a crime fighting tool, and has urged those unlawfully detained to sue.
Panton says removing Rosado would be a first step toward rebuilding public confidence in policing.
