As we show you in our last segment, the old year and the new year were bookended once again by murders, but, overall, major crime was still sharply down in 2020.
And while all the curfews have to be a driver of decreasing crime, the ComPol maintains that the reduction was as a result of vigilance by the police officers and cooperation from the public:
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"Thanks to the men and women of Belize Police Department, as well as the wider public that welcome us into their homes in 2020 and those who participated with the police in ensuring that we had one of our best year ever in almost a decade when it comes to fighting crime across the country. Yes while we saw significant reduction in major crime across the country when compared to 2019, our figures were not exactly where we wanted it to be, but it is still one that is worth celebrating. I think for 2019, we had a total of 134 murders recorded country-wide. For 2020, we have a total of 102 which is a reduction of 32 and so that is a significant reduction for us. Again it goes to show that the police have been out there in the different communities across the country actively pursuing criminals and it has paid off. For 2021, we are currently working on our new or revised national crime fighting strategy which is going to be released within the next 2 weeks in the public to see exactly what our focus is going to be. Yes, we have to look at the new government's agenda, the planBelize and ensure our strategy will be in sync with what the government had promised during their campaign. I believe that for 2021, we are going to have a good year as well."
So, while police's murder count for 2020 says that there were 32 fewer murders than in 2019, the Commissioner noted that this year's strategy has to be similar to last year's:
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"We still have to continue focusing on those four pillars. The issue of domestic violence is still a live issue within our society. The issue of gangs still remain very much prevalent, the alcohol consumption and liquor establishments, these are things we have to focus on. Even though you would agree that for the latter part of the year, we saw less crime resulting from alcohol consumption because of the fact that we had curfews and limited the sale of alcohol. We also saw where the bars and so forth have been closed for almost half of the year. That again, reduces the sale of alcohol, and so in that category we saw a significant reduction. We also saw a reduction in the issue of gang violence or gang murders."
And while they aren't considered culprits of major crimes, police did have to arrest and charge 187 people for breaking quarantine regulations over the long weekend.
85 people were charged with breaching the curfew. 54 were charged with failing to wear a face mask or some other face and mouth covering while in public. 30 people were charged with attending a restricted social event. 7 people were charged with cross-district movement. 4 people were charged with failing to properly wear a face mask while in public. 3 people were charged with hosting a restricted social event. 3 people were charged with entering Belize illegally. Finally, 1 person was charged with failing to practice proper social distancing.
