Twenty police officers were awarded for their hard work in a ceremony organized by the commanders of the Mobile Interdiction Team. These officers are those who have been involved in the seizure of contraband products and drugs, and ones who have worked at checkpoints and patrols. The commander of operations, ACP Marco Vidal, spoke more about it.
ACP Marco Vidal, Commander, Operations
"It is awarding 20 officers who performed well during the past 6 months or so."
Reporter
"How were these officers selected?"
ACP Marco Vidal, Commander, Operations
"The officers looked at the different names and how many arrests they have made and that kind of thing."
Reporter
"What were the different categories they were awarded for?"
ACP Marco Vidal, Commander, Operations
"The contraband seizures, the drug seizures and the firearm seizures. They had like over a hundred thousand seized, they had like 15 firearms seized and like about 15,000 grams of cannabis seized. They are part of the northern border patrol. The officers performed despite the covid and everything. All of us are fully aware that we can get infected when we operate, but we still have to get the work done, so we still have to go out there and get it done."
Reporter
"What word of advice would you give other officers who weren't awarded today?"
ACP Marco Vidal, Commander, Operations
"To continue to press on, because sometimes we get a bit laid back and that kind of thing and then the officers then progressed and go ahead, but if they continue to work as a team as they have been doing then they will eventually reach there."
And one awardee, PC Tarah Gordon, said that she was glad to be recognized but for her, it's all in a day's work.
PC Tarah Gordon, Awardee
"My first patrol or checkpoint I did I made a seizure of 10 pounds of weed on the bus: found property. Went to Belize City my team and I we did a firearm seizure. It went well."
Reporter
"You are the only female among the group. Was that in any way intimidating or did you have any added burden, because well you are a female?"
PC Tarah Gordon, Awardee
"Actually, it's both of us, myself and another female. All in all, no its not. We work equally together us and the guys, so the rule is pretty much to go out there and do our thing, so it's not hard. I continue to do my best. I go out there and performed my duties at the best of my ability and nothing has change for me. I just continue do what I need to do."
