And while the council's campaign - police were out in the community doing work today.
If you noticed the empty lots in your area are a little cleaner, it might be because Squad 97 was there. The latest police recruits were engaged in a community clean up campaign ahead of their passing out.
It's a requirement for them to get to know the communities they will be eventually working in. Courtney Menzies met them on the streets today and has this story.
Sixty members of the latest police recruit squad were cleaning up the streets in Belize City today. It's a part of their training, and it is a partnership with the Belize City Council.
And it's a crucial part of their six months in the police academy since it's their first introduction to the community as peace officers.
Insp. Ryan Timmons, Regional Training Officer, ED
"A criteria for them to successfully complete training is for them to do community service, hence the reason we have partnered with the sanitation department, city council, to come out and push out a community service initiative, my community, your community our communities clean up campaign."
"We are trying to foster that relationship where we are geared at community inclusion, participate and interaction."
And the community was grateful for the work:
Alfaro Bol, Supervisor for Trainees, Precinct 3
"It is a plus because we have seen some community members stop by, give water to them, and applaud them for the initiative that they are doing."
Simeon Alvarez, Sanitation Manager, BCC
"They're very aggressive, I think they want to see a healthier community for the kids and the residents, I believe they are putting maximum effort today."
Insp. Ryan Timmons, Regional Training Officer, ED
"Even though they are do community clean ups, they're also going meet and greets where they are meeting members of the community, finding out what are their issues, what are their situations that are affecting them, taking note of it and we'll basically be compiling a report to send to our superiors."
The officers were in the George Street, Oleander Street, Majestic Alley, and Signa York Street areas.
These recruits will be passing out in April.
