In the gang ridden neighborhoods of Belize City - police officers are often seen as punishers and oppressors. But, today, a video emerged that kind of put a twist on that very narrow frame of identity. A video emerged of a rapping policeman - and we found it simultaneously entertaining and thought provoking.
The commissioner was not so charmed. Here's the story of the viral video and the vex-up Commissioner:
That's PC Phillip Coleman - he's a constable straight outta precinct one - but tonight he's known the rapping policeman - after he was caught on camera throwing down bars at the corner of Kraal Road and Rivero Street:
The performance while captivating for how odd it looks to see a lawman in full rap battle mode - 9 millimeter pistol in his side holster and all - is also problematic. The lyrics are laced with expletives and negative characterizations of cops - and that's what the Commissioner of Police is looking at tonight:
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"All I can say is it is very inappropriate for a police officer to be using such language whether in or out of uniform, but when it is done in uniform it is even worse. The content of his comments is very inappropriate and are not what we train our officers to be like. That being the case, the matter has been forwarded to PSB and appropriate action will be taken against the police officer in question."
So, while PC Coleman may end up going from Tik Tok to tribunal - at least he can say that for one Friday afternoon in December - he pulled off a mic drop that briefly made him Belize's most wanted viral sensation.
And while you might want to throw in the issue of a mask violation - we can't say when the video was taken - and it may have indeed predated COVID because the area had a police tent at that time, and now it has a police booth.
