Source: http://www.reporter.bz/article/CrimeLegal/3901/

Caye Caulker establishes separate police formation for tourism work
Wednesday, 18.11.2009, 09:03am (GMT-6)

By Albert Ciego - Staff Reporter

The number of Caye Caulker Tourism Police officers have been increased from two to eight officers. and they will now operate independently and exclusively for tourism affairs in Caye Caulker.

The new arrangement took effect on Sunday, November 15, with the aim of giving locals and visitors to the island the assurance that a competent body now exists to effectively address their concerns and reports.

The Tourism Police of Caye Caulker will be led by a Police Corporal and be comprised of five additional officers and two special constables.

They will work closely with the Caye Caulker Neighborhood Watch, who will support their efforts to provide effective policing services to visitors on the island.

Their new headquarters are being provided and supported by the Neighborhood Watch.

The move was made after tourists and locals complained that the Caye Caulker Police were not properly addressing issues and were not effective in preventing and prosecuting crimes on the island.

The Citizens of Caye Caulker had staged a protest to show their lack of confidence in the Caye Caulker Polic, even accusing the them of being in cahoots with criminals, and not providing proper police assistance.

Tourism police officers are police officers in every sense. They are a part of the Police detachment and are empowered to do all the thngs that a normal police officer can do.

But under a separation arrangement, all tourist complaints and issues which affect tourism will be directed to the Tourism Police, while the regular Police formation will deal with other criminal matters.


Lizette Marina Alamina-Gutierrez