BELIZE DISTRICT

On 8th September 2014 at about 9:30am, Professional Standards Branch Personnel(PSB) received a complaint from a 19-year-old resident of Belize City. He reported that on 6th September 2014, between 12:30pm and 12:45pm, he was taken from inside his yard by two police officers and placed in the rear portion of a black vehicle. He reported that he was taken on a dirt road, off the George Price Highway, where he was taken out the vehicle by the officers. The officers then reportedly punched him several times in the abdomen; once to the left side of face and once to his mouth.  They both picked him up and threw him into a green garbage dumpster that was on the side of the dirt road. PSB personnel conducted an investigation into the matter where both Police Constables, PC#1416 Larry SUTHERLAND and PC#1058 Wayne TRAPP, were subsequently charged disciplinarily with one count of “Is Uncivil when on duty”.  PC Larry SUTHERLAND was additionally charged for one count of “Act to Prejudice to Good Order and Discipline” as he caused Harm to the complainant. This matter is before a Tribunal.

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT/ROBBERY

On 29th September 2014 at about 11:00am, PSB received information that a Gas pump attendant of Belize City, had filed a report of Police Brutality at Precinct Two. CIEGO reported that two officers approached him on Central American Boulevard near North Creek. One of them pointed a firearm at him, searched him and punched him in the face. He was also reportedly kicked to the chest causing him to fall into the drain. During the process, he reported that $490.00 was taken away from him. As a result, PC #1595 Edgar DEPAZ and PC #1345 Jefferson DAWSON were arrested and later charged jointly with Robbery and wounding. PC DAWSON was additionally charged with Threatening Words and Aggravated Assault.

THEFT/HANDLING STOLEN GOODS

On 1st October 2014, a house search was conducted at #18 Antelope Street where the owner reported that some of his jewelries were missing. A search was conducted and PC #1096 Jamille SCOTT was later apprehended along with a female companion and the missing items. PC #1096 Jamille SCOTT has since been detained, pending charges of Theft and Handling Stolen Goods.