The Commander spent an active day touring the existing San Pedro Police Station, witnessing the progress at the new police station currently under construction next to the SP Fire Station, inspecting the living quarters provided to SP police officers, as well as meeting with several town and civic officials. After traveling the busy sand streets, Mrs. Leslie met with the people of San Pedro at the Lions Den.

    Master of Ceremonies Eiden Salazar Jr. introduced Mr. Claudio Azueta who gave the Invocation. The MC then presented Mayor Elsa Paz who urged Commander Leslie to provide for the safety of San Pedro's citizens and visitors alike.

    Commander Leslie stated the purpose of the meeting was to review the level of security her officers were providing and to better understand the security needs of people in this area. The results of this consultation would then determine how to best use her department's resources.

    The Commander explained that the average cost to train one police officer is $10,000 and that a police officer earns from $250 to $300 per week. She stated there will not be any more officers assigned to San Pedro, although it boasts approximately 12,000 residents and 3,000 visitors. To make up for this, Commander Leslie will supplement the San Pedro Police Department with surveillance personnel and "special needs" detachments from the mainland.

    The Commander also expressed her plan to supplement police patrols and office workers with citizens who have been trained as Special Constables. She explained that these people could perform office duties or be assigned to accompany police officers on daily rounds, especially during the critical hours from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. and during holiday celebrations.

    Commander Leslie encouraged each person to take some responsibility for themselves, their families, and their property. She noted that every person could be involved in the security of their neighborhood, stating that volunteering a minimum of two hours every week could go a long way to ensuring the safety of their community.

    Those attending were then made aware of the following: Prevention of crime is a matter for the general public as well as the police. The carelessness of victims can encourage criminals to act, such as: displaying money or jewelry, dressing inappropriately - wearing clothes that are too tight or shoes that are too high to make fleeing a situation feasible; walking in dark or dangerous areas; being unaware of surroundings. It was suggested that residents: fence their yards, keep a dog, watch their neighbor's house as well as their own, engrave their names on televisions, cell phones, computers and stereos. It was also suggested that children be taught to: be alert to strangers, never let strangers into the home, and to take the same route to school (and back) each day. Adults were urged to accompany younger children who are riding or walking to and from school.

    It was mentioned that, periodically Belize City becomes too uncomfortable for criminals; who then flee to the villages and to San Pedro.

    There was a general agreement that the largest problem in San Pedro is the persisting presence of drug dealers, some who "pose" as vendors of carvings, bead bracelets and food items, or as "beach bums," while waiting to accost overnight visitors. It was noted these "bad elements" are found on the beach, in front of hotels, by the library, and near cruise ship piers. These persons were accused of selling drugs, hassling children as well as adults, and molesting children.

    It was noted that some tourists might not realize, or care, that the drugs they are being offered are illegal, and that this may encourage the dealers. Education of visitors at the point of entry might eventually decrease drug traffic. It was also stated that people on the mainland were protecting some of the drug dealers on the island.

    Another concern was the increase in juvenile criminals harassing tourists, stealing, begging, and selling drugs in San Pedro. It was suggested that everyone - the police, the public health doctors and nurses, the social service workers AND members of the general public assist with cases of child abuse or neglect through donations of money, time and talents. This would help to prevent these children from growing up as exiles from their family, their community, and their country.

    A local security officer pointed out that citizens could call the police and ask them to remove persons from the area who are creating a nuisance or harassing others. He thought that if repeat offenders were issued a summons to court in Belize City and failed to show up, they would then be in violation of a court order and subject to more extensive penalties, adding a dimension to the offense of loitering.

    One citizen pointed out that a few of the recently appointed Special Constables serving on Ambergris Caye had criminal records, used their position to beat, harass and intimidate innocent people and profited from confiscated drugs.

    It was stated that when a police officer or a constable is found to be a criminal, there is an extra depth of betrayal felt in the community. Commander Leslie and Sergeant Moreira were firm and confident in their expressed conviction that officers who break the law will be investigated, and if the allegations are proved to be true, they will be dismissed and possibly prosecuted. They stated officers suspected of wrongdoing must be reported - this is the community's part in protecting the island.

    Sergeant Moreira stated that since he was appointed Officer-in- Charge for San Pedro and Caye Caulker he has contentiously made changes in personnel. He has held some officers on charges of brutality and taking money. There have been far more arrests and a decrease in the crime rate. He also noted the establishment of permanent patrols north of Boca del Rio and on the south end of Ambergris Caye, with an officer soon to be assigned to traffic patrol.

    Other local concerns mentioned in the discussion included: people illegally crossing the airstrip, the lack of progress on the new police station, the lack of parity in the per diem allowance between police officers and other San Pedro government officials, the unsanitary condition of the SP police barracks, the need for more police officers, and increased traffic control in San Pedro.

    Deputy Mayor Severo Guerrero Sr. concluded the evening by thanking Commander Leslie, Chief Augustine, Chief Garcia and Sergeant James Moreira for the opportunity to conduct a frank exchange regarding the future security of San Pedro.