Cops gone wild - that's what a police patrol team in Belize City encountered this weekend. Acting on a tip that had been called in about a group of persons socialising on the seawall behind Marine Parade, the police responded at 8:41 pm to find a group of about 20 persons drinking and playing loud music from inside an SUV. The group included 7 police officers - and they were told to disperse immediately - but they refused to cooperate, and started disrespecting their own colleagues.
It got so feisty that the patrol team had to call for backup - but the lawless group had already driven off in their 4 Runner. The police tracked them down at the Princess Casino parking lot and took them to the Queen Street station.
In total it was 7 cops and 9 civilians - with at least one cop managing to speed off in her own vehicle.
They were all supposed to get tickets but it didn't sound like they did. Here's what the police spokesman had to say about the lawless spree:
ASP Fitzroy Yearwood, Communications Director, Belize Police Department
"Something like this, I am certain the Commissioner of Police would never ever tolerate, or support. I heard of this early this morning, and I was very surprised that our officers believe they can be in a situation, public like this, doing whatever it is they were doing, and like I said, it will be looked at by Professional Standards Branch. They have to investigate it and our finding will be made public, because we need to send a strong message to the general public that this is not the wat that the police department operates."
Jules Vasquez
"Will they be charged? Will they receive tickets for failure to wear face mask and failure to maintain social distance?"
ASP Fitzroy Yearwood
"Like I said, the determination at the end of the investigation will determined what charges would be levied."
Jules Vasquez
"Sir, if it was me at the back there, I would have already gotten my ticket."
ASP Fitzroy Yearwood
"You would have gotten your ticket the same day. That is my point and I am answering you fairly. It will be determined."
Jules Vasquez
"Wasn't the patrol supervisor suppose to give them tickets?"
ASP Fitzroy Yearwood
"Yes, I agree."
Reporter
"So something wrong."
ASP Fitzroy Yearwood
"That patrol supervisor will be dealt with also. We cannot neglect our duty and try to blame it as using discretionary power. The fact remains these officers violated the covid act and they must be dealt with. It cannot be excused. I am not even try to sit down here and create an excuse for them."
We'll keep following up on the story to see when the cops are served with tickets for quarantine violations.
