Last night when the Association of Concerned Belizeans (ACB) held a town meeting at the UWI center in Belize City, two of the invited guests, Minister Eamon Courtenay and Bar President Chris Coye failed to show. But one group that did show was the Police Department's Special Branch, government's intelligence gathering officers or more bluntly put, its spies.
For us in the media, we're used to the Special Branch presence at press conferences, and even having officers tape our interviews during public protests. But the Association's leaders claim the Special Branch officers crossed the line last night when they taped the meeting. That was confirmed today when the Police Department sent out a statement saying that, "the use of video cameras for the recording of such events is neither directed nor condoned by the department." Not condoned or permitted, but in full effect last night and organizer Jeremy Spooner was angry today, he says it's like living in a police state.
Jeremy Spooner, Member Association of Concerned Belizeans
"I was more shocked than anything and uncomfortable when I thought about it. I didn't like it because I feel it is an intimidation process. I feel people in Belize are very shy, and they are getting used to the camera now, but to actually have a policeman come to your forum, a public forum, for what reason would they be there. Why would they want to record us? I feel that it makes me think that it is an intimidation process and people do feel intimidated by a policeman being there. But you know something, nobody got up and nobody said anything. They just got up and looked and saw the policeman filming us and he pointed the camera down for a second and then brought it up back and no one bothered about him being there anymore. So we know we are doing the right thing."
Jose Zetina, Commissioner of Police
"I did not approve it. We don't do things that way. It is a fact that police officers do cover all public forums to ensure that the law prevails during the whole proceeding."
KS: So you are saying this Special Branch officer just took out that camera on his own will and decided to videotape it?
Jose Zetina,
"Well it is an indiscretion on his part. You know we don't do things like that. I mean we do cover all public forums like I mention but we don't tape things."
KS: _The public is saying they are not comfortable with the police taping them.
Jose Zetina,
"As far I am concerned this is the only instance that I know of and you know if people had any reaction before, this thing last night wouldn't have happened because we would have addressed the problem from long ago."
KS: But does the police have the right to videotape these events?
Jose Zetina,
"Well it has a right to do anything like any civilian. Anybody can bring a videotape and video anything that is taking place until there is an objection on the part of the people concerned."
KS: _So if the people last night had asked your officer to stop recording he would have done so?
Jose Zetina,
"Oh yes he would have had to stop."
As Zetina noted, the Special Branch Officer has apologized but he will not be disciplined.