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Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 84,397
Marty Offline OP
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The police force is meant to be the image of security, but in light of recent events, many citizens of Ambergris Caye are losing their trust in those tasked to serve and protect the people. Over the past few months, disturbing reports have surfaced from both locals and tourists about unprovoked police brutality and improper conduct. Residents have brought many complaints to San Pedro Mayor Daniel Guerrero on disconcerting issues regarding the police force. Concerned citizens are demanding action to ensure that these matters do not affect our tourism based island.

In The San Pedro Sun Issue #03 Volume 23, we reported on two long-time residents' experience with late night/early morning raids by four police officers. There have also been claims by tourists who allege improper treatment from uniformed police officers. From claims of harassment to extortion, the reports are disheartening, and have driven a wider wedge between the public and police.

As the complaints increased, residents felt that the issues were not being addressed with the level of importance they deserved. While Mayor Guerrero had previously voiced the people's complaints to former OC Vienie Robinson, the response was minimal. However, with the arrival of the new OC Luis Castellanos, Mayor Guerrero once again presented his community's issues, asking for cooperation from OC Castellanos in resolving the problem.

San-Pedro-Officer-in-Command-Luis-CastellanosIn response to Mayor Guerrero and several others, the transfer of a Corporal from the San Pedro Police Force has been issued to take effect on February 1, 2013. The San Pedro Sun has confirmed this news with Castellanos, although the Corporal's name has not been revealed. Castellanos believes that this transfer will eliminate the problem from the root, and he hopes that with this move, the high standards of security can once again be within the San Pedro Police Department. Castellanos stated that he will command the police force with transparency and will not condone any infractions from police officers. The San Pedro Sun will continue to report on issues that affect the safety and livelihood of residents on La Isla Bonita, and it is our sincere hope that our Police Department can get back to policing and maintaining law and order, while upholding the very laws they work to enforce.

San Pedro Sun


Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,733
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If the police response to a problem is just to transfer it to some other place, I do not have much optimism for the future. frown
If the allegations are correct, his transfer should have been to Hattieville.
A proper internal investigation should happen and based on the results, there should be appropriate consequenses.
There never seems to be an investigation that leads to holding anyone responsible. They just seem to let time pass and hope all will be forgotten.

Last edited by bywarren; 01/26/13 09:24 AM.
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Exactly bywarren. But you won't see that happen here. Too much corruption. It'll be interesting to learn where they transferred the Corporal and do a little follow up in 6 months.

Joined: Jun 2012
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He should have been transferred to Hattieville...

Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 5,563
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Can anyone explain why they never name names? I think the public has a right to know.


Harriette
Take only pictures leave only bubbles
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 955
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Corporal Andrews

Like people have said all that happens when the Police clearly break the law they are just transferred to another district and unleash them on that community instead of being made an example of, prosecuted and thrown into Hatteville which is what they deserve.

It certainly explains why the secret report recently listed 50 odd corrupt cops names all the way up the ranks




Last edited by Gaz Cooper; 01/26/13 11:30 AM.
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 5,563
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Thanks Gaz - and why do we not have the names of those 50? Does this government NOT understand that public service people WORK FOR THE PEOPLE? Oh, am I once again being naive?


Harriette
Take only pictures leave only bubbles

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