By Belize Live News Staff: Commissioner of Police Chester Williams has announced plans to enhance security across Belize with the installation of 1,000 surveillance cameras equipped with advanced features, including facial recognition, license plate reading, and motion detection. The initiative aims to boost crime prevention efforts and improve public safety.
Speaking on Open Your Eyes, Williams explained that the motion detection system will identify unusual activity in real-time, zoom in on problem areas, and alert authorities immediately. “For example, if a group of people exhibits unusual movement, the camera sends an alarm and zooms in to detect what’s happening,” Williams said.
In addition to the cameras, the department will introduce panic buttons in key locations across Belize City. These will allow individuals in distress to alert police instantly, activating nearby cameras to track suspects until authorities arrive. “If you’re walking on Albert Street and you’re robbed, pressing the panic button will send an alert and the camera will follow the person fleeing,” Williams noted.
The Police Department will also ramp up crime prevention measures, including twice-weekly intensive operations targeting criminal activity. Commanders have been instructed to conduct searches, monitor motorcycle riders closely, and confiscate undocumented motorcycles. “Ninety percent of the time, when we see two people on a motorcycle, they’re about to commit a crime,” Williams stated.
The installation of the surveillance system is expected to begin in March, signaling a proactive step toward improving safety and curbing crime in Belize.
