List of cases of police brutality in Belize

Last updated

This is a list of cases of police brutality in Belize since the 2000s. This list includes non-fatal cases of excessive or unwarranted use of force by military or non-military law enforcement officers, whether proven or merely alleged. This list does not include fatal cases. [n 1]

Contents

2020s

DateName (age)District (place)DescriptionRulingNb
Sep 2023James Efrimea Belize (Belize) Efrimea, a Sierra Leone citizen, contended he was illegally detained, since he was still imprisoned despite having served his sentence (for an immigration offence) and having provided funds for his deportation. Efrimea accused an immigration officer of extortion.? [n 2]
Aug 2023several detainees Belize (Belize) Several of 45 allegedly gang-affiliated men detained during a 30-day state of emergency from 28 July claimed corrections and law enforcement officers had denied them access to legal counsel.? [n 3]
Mar 2023Abi Aladdin Belize (Hattieville) Aladdin, a Haitian citizen seeking refuge, was deported to Guatemala without being allowed to appear in court. Director of Immigration (Debra Estrada) stated 'there was an order for Aladdin’s removal.'? [n 4]
Mar 2023two people Orange Walk (?)A pregnant Haitian couple were allegedly denied food and water while detained by immigration officers, requiring hospitalisation. Immigration Minister (Eamon Courtenay) denied the accusation, stating they 'were treated appropriately.'? [n 5]
Apr 2022Shamar Foster Belize (Belize) Foster, a tour guide and student, was physically abused by police constable Albert Martinez and police corporal Linda Chan at the municipal airport. Foster claimed Martinez accosted him for being a young black man who did not 'look like a tour guide,' slapped him in the face, threatened to use his firearm, and accused Foster of assaulting an officer. Witnesses claimed Martinez smelled strongly of alcohol.Martinez and Chan disciplined [n 6]
Mar 2022Cherisse Halsall Belize (San Pedro) Halsall, a 7 News reporter, was forcibly removed by police officers from the CARICOM–SICA Summit, per the Press Office director's instructions. 7 News called the incident 'a flagrant and foul muzzling of the free press.'? [n 7]
Jul 2021David Small Cayo (Santa Elena) Amateur video showed police officers Wilton Montero and Jerome Ingram abusing an unarmed Small who was in handcuffs and appeared unconscious.Montero and Ingram disciplined and charged; trial outcome not clear [n 8]
May 2021Vejea Alvarez Orange Walk (Orange Walk) Alvarez, a Love FM radio reporter, was assaulted and falsely detained and charged by police sergeant Evaristo Cobb while covering a protest by nurses at Northern Regional Hospital. Cobb threatened to beat Alvarez if he did not exit the hospital, punched him in the chest, detained him at the police station, and again threatened Alvarez when he complained.Cobb disciplined [n 9]
Feb 2021various inmates Belize (Hattieville) Amateur video showed corrections officers at Central Prison pepper spraying handcuffed inmates directly in the face, forcing an inmate to ingest large quantities of water until they vomited, and a paralysed inmate suffering from bedsores. The prison governor told press 'the mistreatment featured in the video did not occur at the prison.' The HRC called the appointment of visiting justices to the Prison as mandated by law.? [n 10]
Jan 2021one teen (19) Cayo (Succotz) A 19 year old woman reported that police constable Edgar Teul sexually assaulted her thrice while she waited to sign bail documents at the police station for the release of her common law husband.Teul dismissed and charged; trial outcome not clear [n 11]
22 Jul 2020various unionists Belize (Belize) The dismissal of 36 stevedores prompted a peaceful protest by Christian Workers' Union members, which was met with force by GSU police officers, who used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd, injuring several men.Commanding officer dismissed [n 12]
Apr 2020two people Belize (Belize) A man and a woman with mental disabilities were allegedly forced into a sexual act by police officers Jason Shaw, Leslie Martinez, and Anthony Villamil, who then filmed the act and released it to the public.Three officers charged; trial outcome not clear [n 13]
18 Mar 2020100s people Belize (Belize) During two states of emergency (30-day from 18 March, and 90-day from 6 July), there were reports that police officers and soldiers used excessive force on residents, damaged property, and unjustly targeted law-abiding residents. Upon the second SOE's expiry on 6 October, 110 persons were still detained awaiting trial.? [n 14]
Jan 2020Francis Nolberto Belize (Belize) Nolberto claimed police officers scalded him with hot water and pulled out his hair when he was picked up to be questioned about a stolen mobile phone.? [n 15]
Jan 2020Rupert Lulofs Belize (Hattieville) Lulofs, a South African national, alleged he was illegally detained at Central Prison beyond his seven-day sentence for immigration offences. Prison authorities failed to release him until February 2021.? [n 16]

2010s

DateName (age)District (place)DescriptionRulingNb
30 Jun 2019Ralph Gillett Belize (Caye Caulker) A passenger on public transport refused to sit next to Gillett, whom she believed was gay. A verbal confrontation ensued, and turned physical. Responding police officers physically assaulted Gillett by slapping him and placing him in a submission hold, per video footage.Investigative outcome not clear [n 17]
1 Jan 2019Jamir Leal, various people Belize (San Pedro) Police constable Tyrell Rowley allegedly used excessive force to disperse a group fight. Footage showed Rowley kicking an unconscious Jamir Leal on the ground.Rowley charged; not convicted [n 18]
Jul 2018two minors?Two male minors were allegedly severely beaten by police officers after being detained (for allegedly stealing two guns from a security firm) and handcuffed.Investigative outcome not clear [1]
Nov 2017two women Independence, Stann Creek A Belizean and a Salvadoran woman accused three police officers of raping them in a police station after they were removed from a transit bus to be searched for drugs.Investigative outcome not clear [n 19]
6 Sep 2017Marisol Amaya Orange Walk (Tower Hill)Amaya, a journalist, was physically assaulted by a police officer while covering a political event. Upon reporting the incident, the Minister of Home Affairs stated, 'The Police Department have a job to do, and in that situation, we have always asked the media to stay a distance away from the situation.'Investigative outcome not clear [n 20]
May 2017three journalists Cayo (Belmopan) Two members of the press were physically assaulted (and a third threatened) by Brian Audinette, a Serjeant at Arms, while covering a protest in Parliament.Serjeant suspended [n 21]
Apr 2017four people Belize (San Pedro) As two women were being detained by police constables Norman Coye and Darnell Madrill, civilians gathered to demand they minimise their allegedly excessive use of force, whereupon officers physically attacked a bystander recording the event as well as his brother. One of the men was shot in the legs when the officers fired warning shots into the air and ground.Two officers charged; trial outcome not clear [n 22]
Oct 2016two officers?Two female GSU police officers reported they had been sexually harrassed by their male colleagues.Investigative outcome not clear [n 23]
26 Aug 2016Julius Espat, various journalists Cayo (Belmopan) A number of journalists and Julius Espat, a member of the Opposition, were forcibly pushed out of Parliament building by police officers, allegedly per the Speaker's instructions. Concerns about such treatment were raised.? [n 24]
Aug 2016Tyrone Meighan, Shaquille Meighan Belize (Belize) The Meighans, two brothers, claimed GSU police officers shot and wounded them both in the leg while in detention following a gang raid.Investigative outcome not clear [n 25]
May 2016one girl (14)?A 14 year old girl alleged police officer Mark Flowers (GSU commander) had raped her twice. She was five months pregnant when she made the report.Flowers charged; not convicted [n 26]
Feb 2016one girl (8) Belize (Belize) An 8 year old girl alleged police constable Darren Martinez had sexually assaulted her.Martinez convicted, 12 years' prison [n 27]
2016one man Toledo (?)A man claimed police officers beat him when he sought to intervene in the beating of a second person by said officers. The man alleged he was left on the roadside, where he was found the following day suffering from internal injuries. His family claimed the Police Department's internal affairs delayed in dealing with the matter when they reported it.Investigative outcome not clear [2]
Aug 2015Donovan Usher, Giovanni Murrillo, Jerome Bowen Belize (Belize) Usher, Murrillo, and Bowen, fishermen, went missing while at sea. Family claimed coast guards were involved due to antagonistic previous encounters.Investigative outcome not clear [n 28]
Apr 2015Andres Rodriguez Orange Walk (Orange Walk) Rodriguez claimed Edward Swift, a police special constable, beat him while detaining him, leaving him with several injuries (including two large cuts to the head).Constable suspended and charged; not convicted [n 29]
Aug 2014various youths Cayo (Camp Belizario)Youths at a six-week summer camp at a BDF military base were allegedly disciplined with excessive force by camp personnel. The BDF justified the force used as necessary to control the youths who had allegedly launched a gang war.? [n 30]
May 2014Elston Arnold (19) Cayo (Unitedville) Arnold, a teenager, was allegedly shot and wounded by police officers Maxwell Valerio, Jesus Marroquin, Ernesto Budna, and Ricky Valencia.Four officers charged; trial outcome not clear [n 31]
27 May 2013one man?A man claimed GSU police officers beat him in his home after entering and searching it without a warrant, and claimed officers 'told him that had he been alone, they would have killed him.'? [3]
Jan 2013Bert Nicholas Belize (Caye Caulker) Nicholas, a tour guide, was allegedly severely beaten (requiring brain surgery) by tourism police officers, who then reportedly forced tourists who had recorded the act to destroy the footage.Investigative outcome not clear [n 32]
Dec 2012four people Belize (San Pedro) Four people were physically assaulted in a bar by two off duty police officers, Mark Young and Sherifa Young, after one of the latter was confronted for making unwanted advances. The altercation continued outside the bar, where three of the four were arrested and charged.One officer suspended; investigative outcome not clear [n 33]
Feb 2012one man?A man alleged police officers beat him after apprehension in connection with a 2011 shooting of a police officer.? [n 34]
Jan 2012one woman Toledo (Jalacte)A Honduran national claimed she was raped by one police officer and four BDF soldiers while crossing the border from Santa Cruz, Peten.Investigative outcome not clear [n 35]
16 Nov 2011two foreigners Cayo (Benque Viejo) Two foreigners alleged that immigration officials at the border crossing extorted 10,000 Mexican pesos (circa 715 USD) from them and sexually harassed one of them.Investigative outcome not clear [n 36]
Aug 2011Glenn Tillett Cayo (Belmopan) Tillett claimed he was wrongfully detained for a prolonged period, denied needed medical care, then released sans charge by police officers, in connection with a robbery allegedly committed by a relative at a foreign embassy.? [n 37]
29 Aug 2011various bystanders Belize (Belize) Attendees at the funeral of Charles Woodeye, a murder victim who allegedly had had gang ties, were reportedly injured with pepper spray, rubber bullets, and a baseball bat by GSU police officers.? [n 38]
Jul 2011one girl (13)?A police constable was suspected of raping a 13 year old girl who subsequently became pregnant.Investigative outcome not clear [4]
Jan 2011one policeman Cayo (Belmopan) Noel Leal, an assistant commissioner of police (third in command at the Department), was internally investigated for sexually assaulting a female police officer. The case was forwarded to prosecutors but later dropped as the complainant requested no further action.Forwarded to DPP; case dropped [n 39]
May 2010Elvin Torres Belize (Western Hwy) Torres, an electrical mechanic, was allegedly wounded by six police constables at a checkpoint on Mile Four. They reportedly believed Torres had fired shots as he drove past.Six constables charged; charges against four dropped; two acquitted [n 40]
Apr 2010Steven Buckley Belize (Belize) Buckley was shot in the head and wounded (partially paralysed) in a vehicle by police inspector Dennis Lopez. The latter claimed he fired by accident, contrary to eyewitness accounts.Lopez charged; not convicted [n 41]
Mar 2010Emerson Ciego Stann Creek (Dangriga) Ciego, a fisherman, was shot in the back by a police officer. The latter claimed the former resisted arrest, but witnesses claimed the fisherman was fleeing when shot.Internal affairs recommend charges; no charges filed [n 42]
Feb 2010Juan Perez Belize (San Pedro) Perez, a vegetable vendor, was allegedly kidnapped, assaulted, had his boat searched, and was robbed of $350 by police constable Derrick Gideon, BDF private Justin Casimiro, and a civilian.Soldier cleared; officer charged; not convicted [n 43]

2000s

DateName (age)District (place)DescriptionRulingNb
Dec 2009one boy (14)?A teenager claimed he was beaten and sexually assaulted while in police custody.Investigative outcome not clear [5]
Nov 2009one waitress Cayo (Santa Elena) A waitress was allegedly sexually assaulted by on duty police corporal Sam Bonilla.Corporal charged; charges dropped [n 44]
Aug 2009one minor?A youth claimed he was taken to a burglary crime scene and beaten by a police officer before being charged for the burglary.Investigative outcome not clear [6]
Jul 2009Ronlee Petillo Belize (Belize) Petillo alleged two police officers detained him, drove him to a secluded area of Western Highway, and used excessive force on him (including beatings and a gunshot to the head).? [n 45]
Feb 2009one man Belize (Belize) A man alleged three police officers attacked him and left him bleeding on the street with injuries that required hospitalisation.? [n 46]
2008one man?A man was shot and wounded in the back of the head by a police constable.Constable charged; not convicted [7]
May 2008Rhold Henry Sann Creek (Dangriga) Henry, a hospital patient, was beaten with a shotgun by a police officer.Officer charged; not convicted [n 47]
Mar 2008Yadira Dominquez Orange Walk (Orange Walk) A woman was allegedly detained outside her home and beaten by two police officers, requiring hospitalisation for cuts and bruises to her neck and hands.One officer found guilty, transferred, fined [n 48]
Feb 2008one girl (14) Cayo (San Ignacio) A teenager reported she was extorted and raped by police corporal Joel Grinage.Corporal arrested and charged; not convicted [n 49]
Dec 2007Ryan Requena Belize (San Pedro) Requena claimed police officers detained him after planting cannabis in his home, then beat him with batons and rubber hoses, and pepper sprayed him.Tribunal convicts and fines two officers, acquits three [n 50]
Sep 2007one girl (14) Stann Creek (Dangriga) A teenager alleged she was raped by a police constable.Constable convicted; reversed on appeal [8]
17 Sep 2007one person?A man claimed a police corporal used excessive force against him while in custody.Corporal charged; case dismissed [n 51]
Aug 2007two people Belize (Ladyville) A man claimed police officers tied a rope around his waist and threw him into sea to torture him to obtain information on a recent theft of the Home Affairs Minister's computers. Similarly, a mother claimed officers beat her son in a bid to obtain information on the same.Investigation closed on lack of evidence [n 52]
18 May 20071000s protestors Cayo (Belmopan) Police officers used tear gas and rubber bullets on thousands of demonstrators gathered to protest a government guarantee of a firm's private debt. The crowd had allegedly thrown rocks and other items at police.? [n 53]
5 Nov 2006Goldburn Miller, Elbert Anderson, Ashton Myers Belize (Belize) Miller, Anderson, and Myers (siblings) were allegedly beaten in their home by police officers (including constable Dennison Longsworth) with batons, giving the first a broken arm, and the second seizures which required hospitalisation. Officers detained and charged the brothers with obstruction.Longsworth internally charged; tribunal dismisses case [n 54]
19 Sep 2006Justin Stuart?Stuart was allegedly beaten by police officers until his ears bled, then tortured with a plastic bag over his head (tightened around his neck), and kicked repeatedly in the stomach.Internal investigation dropped [n 55]
23 Aug 2006Elario Elijio (61) Belize (Belize) Elijio was beaten by police officers when he tried to intervene in his son's arrest.Investigation clears officers [n 56]
Feb 2006Lisa Lauriano, Bernadine Reid Belize (Hattieville) Lauriano and Reid were allegedly tortured with stun guns by nine corrections officers.Investigative findings differed; no action taken [n 57]
Jul 2005John Faux, Frans Faux, Mark Faux Stann Creek (Dangriga) A father (J Faux) and his two sons were allegedly beaten and tortured via electric shock by police officers while detained without charge on suspicion of withholding evidence regarding a bank robbery.Case settled; no disciplinary action [n 58]
20 Jan 2005Mark Butler, other unionists Belize (Hattieville) Members of the Energy Workers' Union, including president Butler, were detained by police officers while en route to a demonstration, allegedly for having harmful tools in the vehicle. They were released the same day only when the Leader of the Opposition phoned the police commissioner.? [n 59]
14 Sep 2004Emile Pinelo Cayo (San Ignacio) While arresting him and later at the station, Pinelo was allegedly choked, punched, repeatedly kicked, and beaten by police constables Clayton Marin and Cyril Wade. Pinelo was initially denied medical care, but eventually taken to hospital. Pinelo 'suffered massive internal injuries and required emergency surgery to remove 25 inches of his small intestine.'Marin and Wade suspended and charged; Marin's charges dismissed; Wade convicted, 5 years' prison [n 60]
30 Mar 2004Pedro Guzman Cayo (San Ignacio) Guzman was forced into a car at gunpoint by an inebriated police constable Julio Shal, who then threatened him with it, eventually shooting Guzman in the hand.Shal arrested and charged; charges dismissed [n 61]
Dec 2003one woman Belize (Belize) A woman reported police constable Adrian Lopez arrested her for a traffic violation, drove her to a deserted airfield, and tried to rape here before she escaped.Lopez arrested and charged; trial outcome not clear [n 62]
24 Aug 2003Timotheo Cano, Lincoln Cardinez Stann Creek (Dangriga) Cano and Cardinez were allegedly illegally detained by police superintendent Ewart Itza (and subordinate officers), who then pistol-whipped Cano and beat Cardinez, denied them medical care, detained them overnight, and released them sans charges the next morning.Itza suspended and charged; not convicted [n 63]
Jan 2003Antoinette Moore, Michael Flores Stann Creek (Dangriga) Moore (human rights lawyer) and Flores (radio journalist) were arrested and charged with drug-related offences by police officers. Concerns were raised that the charges may have been meant to intimidate them for protesting police brutality.? [n 64]
Dec 2002one person Belize (Hattieville) An escapee from Central prison, injured while being recaptured, was beaten in hospital (per witnesses) by corrections officers George Myvett and Joshua Trapp.Myvett and Trapp dismissed [9]
27 Sep 2002three men Toledo (Otoxha)Three villagers were shot and wounded in a confrontation with police officers Eaton Williams and John Mas, while the latter (with two forestry officers) tried to confiscate illegally logged mahogany. The machete-wielding villagers allegedly formed a mob of 30 which advanced on the officers.Inquiry clears officers [n 65]
8 Sep 2002Galindo Perez, Juan Mendoza Belize (Belize) Perez and Mendoza were kidnapped and turned over to a suspected drug gang by police constable Martin Castillo and on patrol soldiers Juan Jimenez and Urbanos Teck. Castillo and the soldiers were arrested while en route to abduct a third person.Castillo charged; not convicted [n 66]
27 May 2002ca 16 inmates Belize (Hattieville) Four inmates were shot and severely injured by corrections officers at Central Prison for a failed escape attempt, requiring hospitalisation. Officers reportedly beat them with rifles and batons, kicked and punched them, then (officer Ean Daley) methodically shot each at close range with a pistol, then again beat them. '[A] dozen other prisoners were severely beaten by guards' at the Prison on 28–29 May, per human rights groups.Daley dismissed; no officer charged [n 67]
24 Apr 2002Marcos Sanchez (15), Marlon Gamez (24), 100s protestors Cayo (Benque Viejo) During a protest against increased bus fares (200–300 people, including at least 60 schoolchildren), Sanchez and Gamez were shot and injured by police corporal Thomas Flores, with an M16 rifle at close range. Police reportedly used excessive force, sprayed tear gas indiscriminately, made arbirtrary arrests, and beat some detainees.Internal investigation finds use of force excessive; no officer charged [n 68]
5 Mar 2002two people Belize (Belize) The owner of a store and a customer were assaulted by four police officers on patrol as they robbed the store.Four officers arrested and charged; trial outcome not clear [10]
4 Sep 2001Frederick Arzu, John Elijio Belize (Hattieville) Arzu and Elijio were lashed four times each with a tamarind whip by corrections officers at Central Prison for escaping.None [n 69]
30 Jul 2001two protestors Orange Walk (Orange Walk) During a protest blocking Tower Hill Bridge, responding police officers and soldiers shot and wounded two protestors, allegedly after some personnel were injured by rocks and bottles.One soldier suspended; commission of inquiry appointed; inquiry outcome not clear [n 70]
23 Jul 2001Francis Westby (17) Belize (Belize) Westby was allegedly beaten by police officers who were arresting him, including (per a witness) hitting him several times, pushing his head under water, and beating him while escorting him to their vehicle.Investigative outcome not clear [n 71]
28 Aug 2000one inmate Belize (Hattieville) An inmate was given 12 lashes by corrections officers at Central Prison for stabbing a fellow inmate over $4.None [n 72]
27 Aug 2000Charlie Slusher, Norman Nunez Orange Walk (Orange Walk) Slusher and Nunez (on the national football team) were allegedly beaten while handcuffed by police officers while en route to a party.Three constables charged with wounding; trial outcome not clear [n 73]
Jul 2000Randolph Miller Belize (Hattieville) Miller was allegedly beaten (hand broken) by corrections officers after escaping from Central Prison.Investigative outcome not clear [n 74]
20 May 2000Thomas Hill Cayo (Belmopan) A man (who had brandished a dead snake glued to cardboard) was shot and injured by a police officer on duty at the national agriculture and trade show, despite an order to not shoot.Officer suspended; investigative outcome not clear [n 75]
4 Apr 2000Darrel Jones Belize (Hattieville) Jones was shot by a police officer after escaping Central Prison.Officer cleared [n 76]
17 Mar 2000three inmates Belize (Hattieville) During a riot of 300–400 inmates protesting the Smith and Elijio floggings, three inmates were shot and wounded by corrections officers at Central Prison, requiring hospitalisation.Forwarded to DPP; outcome not clear [n 77]
16 Mar 2000Nehru Smith, Bert Elijio Belize (Hattieville) Smith and Elijio were flogged twelve and six times, respectively, with a tamarind whip by corrections officers at Central Prison, both for allegedly stabbing fellow inmates.None [n 78]
14 Feb 2000two people Orange Walk (Orange Walk) A BDF soldier and a bystander were shot and injured by a police officer. The soldier and officer were reportedly in a verbal altercation when the former pulled a machete.Officer suspended; investigative outcome not clear [n 79]

See also

Notes and references

Notes

  1. ↑ S 18.
  2. ↑ S 16.
  3. ↑ S 13.
  4. ↑ S 11.
  5. ↑ S 09.
  6. ↑ S 09.
  7. ↑ Pham.
  8. ↑ S 08; S 09; Pham.
  9. ↑ S 02.
  10. ↑ S 02.
  1. ↑ In Belize, military officers sometimes act in a domestic law enforcement capacity. See List of killings by law enforcement officers in Belize for fatal cases of police brutality. Complete lists of cases of police brutality in Belize are not officially published, so this list relies on media and unofficial reports. Notes and short citations provided in Nb columns. Short citations in the form A yy refer to AI, yyyy report, sec Belize. Short citations in the form S yy refer to State, report for yyyy, sec Belize. Short citations in the form Am yy refer to Amandala, review for yyyy (or for split reviews, Am yyi refer to the first part of the review, Am yyii refer to second part, and so on).
  2. ↑ S 23; "Sierra Leonean remains in custody pending repatriation". News 5. 8 September 2023. Surnamed Erimea in S 23.
  3. ↑ S 23; "Do persons rounded up under S.O.E lose the right to an attorney?". News 5. 23 August 2023.
  4. ↑ S 23; "Belize Immigration accused of disregarding due process and may have ignored UNHCR Agreements". National Perspective. 1 April 2023.; "Attorney says Haitian smuggled out before he could see judge". 7 News. 31 March 2023.
  5. ↑ S 23; "Haitian nationals detained; immigration officers are concerned". Love News. 23 March 2023.; "Senior immigration officers stewing". 7 News. 23 March 2023.
  6. ↑ S 22; Am 24ii; "Outrageous police brutality caught on camera". 7 News. 4 April 2022. Foster awarded $25,000 in damages in 2024 (Am 24ii).
  7. ↑ S 22; "Press Office Director chastises Channel 7's Cherisse Halsall". 7 News. 1 March 2022. Other local media organisations (except News 5) were likewise denied certain access while covering the summit (S 22).
  8. ↑ S 21; "Cops criminally charged for abuse of cuffed man". 7 News. 20 July 2021.; "Two officers face disciplinary action for assault on detainee". News 5. 17 August 2021.
  9. ↑ S 21; "Journalist arrested in the line of duty". 7 News. 7 May 2021. Corporal Gaspar Tuz and constable Walter Leonardo also disciplined (S 21).
  10. ↑ S 21; "Allegations of prison abuse". 7 News. 19 February 2021.
  11. ↑ S 21; "Troubled PC charged with sexual assault". 7 News. 25 January 2021.
  12. ↑ S 20; "Port of Belize fires 36 workers, mayhem ensues". News 5. 22 July 2020.; "3 Senior officers put on admin leave for Port shooting". Amandala. 24 July 2020.; "Chaos at the Port, police turn on peaceful protestors". 7 News. 22 July 2020.; "Day of outrage!". Amandala. 23 July 2023.; "Top cops—Dawson, Arzu and Lorenzo—suspended for 2 months". Amandala. 7 August 2020. Dated March 2020 by S 20.
  13. ↑ S 20; "Ministry of Health condemns sexual violation of vulnerable persons" (Press release). 8 April 2020.; "Chester Williams holds the fate of 3 police officers". News 5. 22 April 2020.
  14. ↑ S 20; "Are police abusing SOE?". 7 News. 6 April 2020.; "Police beat down San Martin residents". News 5. 6 April 2020. Michelle Trapp (a lawyer) requested judicial review of government's failure to set up a tribunal to review SOE cases, as required by law (S 20).
  15. ↑ S 20; "Man claims cops tortured him with hot water". 7 News. 3 February 2020. 'There was no response on the part of the BPD' (S 20).
  16. ↑ S 21; "South African national stranded in Belize". Love News. 18 February 2021. Lulofs filed civil suit in February 2021 (S 21).
  17. ↑ S 19; Am 19iii; "Police officer used unsanctioned chokehold to subdue PC Gillett". News 5. 3 July 2019.; "UNIBAM Exec. Dir. says PC Gillett's rights were infringed". News 5. 1 July 2019.; "Cop gets 'woman fum-fum' aboard water taxi". Amandala. 1 July 2019. Gillett (a police constable) faced internal disciplinary charges (S 19). Special Envoy for Women & Children, Kim Barrow, stated BPD should have offered him protection and support, asserting 'violence of this kind has no place in our society' (S 19).
  18. ↑ S 19; Pham; "Cop arraigned on wounding charge for New Year's beat-down on San Pedro". Amandala. 24 January 2019.; "PC Rowley charged for wounding". 7 News. 23 January 2019.
  19. ↑ S 17; Am 17ii; "3 Cops accused of raping 2 women in police station". Amandala. 13 November 2017.; "COMPOL still mum on allegation of station rape". 7 News. 5 December 2017. Officers remained on active duty despite ongoing investigation (S 17). Located in Belize City by S 17.
  20. ↑ S 17; "Mauling Marisol!!". Amandala. 7 September 2017.; "What did Home Affairs Minister really mean with media jibe over riot?". News 5. 8 September 2017.; "The mandhandling of Marisol". 7 News. 7 September 2017.
  21. ↑ S 17; "Mayor says Yellowman should face consequences for what he did". 7 News. 26 May 2017.; "Macebearer Yellowman under fire". Amandala. 25 May 2017. Serjeant eventually suspended, but not immediately censured (S 17).
  22. ↑ S 17; "Police officers charged for excessive use of force in San Pedro". BBN. 3 April 2017.; "Two San Pedro Police officers charged for Central Park shooting". San Pedro Sun. 3 April 2017.; "'Wild West' cops charged for wounding". Amandala. 3 April 2017.
  23. ↑ S 16; "G.S.U. senior personnel demand apology over alleged sexual harassment allegations". News 5. 3 November 2016.; "Whylie rejects GSU narrative alleging personal interest in internal probe". 7 News. 1 December 2016.. Labelled sexual assault by S 16.
  24. ↑ S 16; "Police manhandle the media in the House of Representatives!". Amandala. 29 August 2016.; "P.U.P. condemns police's removal of press at end of House meeting". News 5. 29 August 2016.; "House Speaker kicks out Julius Espat!". Amandala. 26 August 2016.
  25. ↑ S 16; "GSU accused of shooting Meighan brothers in Mayflower Street area". News 5. 29 August 2016.; "GSU vs. GTC, Meighan brothers shot". 7 News. 29 August 2016.
  26. ↑ S 16; Pham; "GSU Commander Mark Flowers under investigation for alleged sexual misconduct". Amandala. 21 July 2016.; "Former leader of GSU, Mark Flowers charged for unlawful sexual conduct". San Pedro Sun. 29 July 2016.
  27. ↑ S 20; Pham; "Bail for cop charged with unlawful sex assault and accused attempted murderer in bar brawl". BBN. 24 May 2016.; "Police constable remanded for molesting eight year old". 7 News. 16 May 2016.
  28. ↑ S 15; "Coast Guard and family of missing men make peace". 7 News. 4 September 2015.; "Coast Guard detained for men missing at sea". 7 News. 9 September 2015. Police investigation led to detention of three coast guards in 2016 (S 16).
  29. ↑ S 15; Pham; "Police brutality caught on camera in OW". 7 News. 14 April 2015.; "Wife, using cellphone, records cops beating her husband". Amandala. 16 April 2015.; "OW cops guilty of beating up Andres Rodriguez". News 5. 16 April 2015. An officer who witnessed but did not stop the beating was internally disciplined (S 15). Dated June 2015 in S 15.
  30. ↑ S 14; "Are soldiers roughing up city youths at BDF Camp". 7 News. 19 August 2014.; "B.D.F. sets record straight about brawl with at risk youths at Camp Belizario". News 5. 19 August 2014.
  31. ↑ S 14; "4 Police officers charged in connection with the shooting of Unitedville youth". News 5. 6 June 2014.; "Cayo cop shoots teenager in the back!". Amandala. 30 May 2014. Dated June 2014 by S 14.
  32. ↑ S 13; "Man in coma, family says police to blame". 7 News. 4 February 2013.; "Alleged police brutality lands popular Caye Caulker tour guide in critical condition". San Pedro Sun. 8 February 2013.
  33. ↑ S 12; "Midnight nightmare on San Pedro". Amandala. 21 December 2012.; "Police investigating cops accused of thuggery in San Pedro". 7 News. 20 December 2012.; "Have San Pedro residents lost respect and trust of police?". Ambergris Tooday. 19 December 2012.
  34. ↑ S 12. No complaint filed with internal affairs nor ombudsman by end 2012, despite former reaching out to individual (S 12).
  35. ↑ S 12; "Serious rape allegations against lawmen in the south". 7 News. 24 January 2012.; "Alleged PG rape by B.D.F./Police investigated". News 5. 25 January 2012. Case complicated by complainant leaving country and potentially not returning for trial (S 12).
  36. ↑ S 11; "Immigration officer's role clarified". 7 News. 30 December 2011.; "Immigration accused of grave misconduct". 7 News. 14 December 2011.
  37. ↑ S 11; "Glenn Tillett says police 'kidnapped' him". 7 News. 4 August 2011.; "Glenn Tillett's horrible, terrible ride west!". Amandala. 5 August 2011.
  38. ↑ S 11; "GSU goes berserk on George Street!". Amandala. 30 August 2011.; "Police say grenade threat to public is the reason for GSU incident". News 5. 30 August 2011.
  39. ↑ S 11; "ACP sexual assault investigation concludes". 7 News. 19 January 2011.; "Senior cop under investigation for attempted rape". 7 News. 18 January 2011.
  40. ↑ S 10; Pham; "Pulled up and got beat up". 7 News. 12 May 2010.; "They beat down Torres". 7 News. 14 May 2010. Constables were Kareem Fuller, Fernando Franzua, Tyrone Baizar, Mark Martinez, Glennwayne Grant, Henry Nunez (Pham).
  41. ↑ S 10; Pham; "Police shooting victim, Steven Buckley, back from throes of death". News 5. 3 June 2010.; "Senior cop on attempted murder charge". NationNews. 5 June 2010. Victim filed civil suit by 2011 (S 11).
  42. ↑ S 10; "Police shoot Dangriga resident". 7 News. 23 March 2010.
  43. ↑ S 10; Pham; "Police & BDF soldier jailed for San Pedro assault". 7 News. 23 February 2010.; "Victim of San Pedro attack speaks". 7 News. 24 February 2010.; "BDF, police officer and civilian remanded to Hattieville for kidnapping". San Pedro Sun. 23 February 2010. Dated March 2010 by S 10. Soldier cleared by BDF 'because he reportedly remained on the wharf where the vessel was moored and did not assist his confederate on the boat' (S 10).
  44. ↑ S 09; S 10; "Cpl. Sam Bonilla charged for attempted rape". 7 News. 24 November 2009.
  45. ↑ S 09; "Ronlee Petillo alleges police shot at his head". News 5. 30 July 2009.
  46. ↑ S 09. Man indicated he would file case with police's internal affairs, but latter reported no such case by end 2009 (S 09).
  47. ↑ S 08; Pham; "2 Cops interdicted for brutality". 7 News. 27 May 2008.; "Beaten by cops in his hospital bed!!". Amandala. 23 May 2008.; "Sergeant demoted for neglect of duty". News 5. 30 July 2008.; "Dangriga man says cops beat him in hospital bed". News 5. 21 May 2008. Supervising officer demoted and fined (S 08).
  48. ↑ S 08; "Yadira Dominquez says an Orange Walk policeman abused her". 7 News. 26 March 2008. Second officer not investigated (S 08).
  49. ↑ S 08; Pham; "San Ignacio cop hit with rape, extortion charges". Amandala. 26 February 2008.; "Corporal Grinage charged for carnal knowledge & extortion". 7 News. 22 February 2008.Constable not corporal in Pham.
  50. ↑ S 08; "Shocking images of police abuse victim Ryan Requena". 7 News. 8 January 2008.; "Officer in charge may face disciplinary action in police brutality case". San Pedro Sun. 10 January 2008.; "6 Police officers disciplined for abuse of Ryan Requena". 7 News. 9 January 2008.
  51. ↑ S 07; S 08. Dismissed for lack of evidence (S 08).
  52. ↑ S 07; "Ralph's computers burglarized – several suspects brutalized". Amandala. 28 August 2007.; "Teen charged for stealing Ralph Fonseca's computer alleges police brutality". 7 News. 22 August 2007.
  53. ↑ S 07; "Tear gas released on protestors; forces adjournement of the House". 7 News. 18 May 2007.; "How peace erupted into chaos on Independence Hill". 7 News. 22 May 2007.; "How we are governed". Independent Reformer. Vol. 2, no. 21. 25 May 2007. No serious injuries and several arrests of protestors reported (S 07).
  54. ↑ S 06; S 08; "Brothers claim police broke their hands". 7 News. 6 November 2006. Dismissed for lack of evidence (S 08).
  55. ↑ S 06; S 07. Dropped in 2007 after authorities could not locate two key witnesses (S 07).
  56. ↑ S 06; S 07; "Police beat-up grandfather with baseball bat". 7 News. 23 August 2006.; "CIB chief says grandfather deserved the beating". 7 News. 30 August 2006.
  57. ↑ S 06; "Prison officials deny physical abuse of inmates". News 5. 22 February 2006. Internal investigation found 'the two inmates had a history of unruly behaviour and assault and often had to be physically restrained to prevent them from harming others;' but Ombudsman found use of force excessive and recommended officers be punished (S 06).
  58. ↑ A 06; S 05; S 08; "Date set for constitutional motion on alleged police torture". News 5. 7 February 2006.; "Stann Creek family alleges torture by police". News 5. 26 July 2005. Fauxes settled with Solicitor General, were compensated (S 08). An accused officer was promoted after case was filed, and later involved in another instance of misconduct (S 08).
  59. ↑ S 05; "Police detain union leader". 7 News. 21 January 2005.
  60. ↑ S 04; Pham; "From policemen to criminals". 7 News. 14 September 2004.; "2 Cops arrested for beating Cayo man". News 5. 14 September 2004. Charges against Marin dropped in 2005 (S 05). Court of Appeals reaffirmed Wade's conviction in October 2006 (S 06).
  61. ↑ S 04; Pham; "'Bad policing' lands cop in jail". 7 News. 31 March 2004.; "Cayo cop charged with attempted murder". News 5. 31 March 2004. Charges dismissed on 17 July 2006 after Guzman refused to testify (S 06).
  62. ↑ S 03; "On duty cop charged with rape attempt". News 5. 22 December 2003. In 2004, DPP 'had no record of charges against police constable Adrian Lopez' (S 04).
  63. ↑ A 04; S 03; Pham; "Superintendent Itza faces more charges". News 5. 5 December 2003. Itza acquitted in 2004, but prosecutors appealed; appeal outcome not clear as of end of 2006 (S 04; S 05; S 06).
  64. ↑ A 04; "Rights activists busted for weed, vow to fight". News 5. 27 January 2003.; "Magistrate: Moore insisted on being charged". News 5. 29 January 2003. Granted bail; due in court in January 2004 (A 04).
  65. ↑ A 03; S 02; "Police kill 2 in Toledo logging dispute". News 5. 27 September 2002.; "Police claim narrow escape in Otoxha". News 5. 30 September 2002. Plus two villagers shot and killed (A 03). Dated October 2002 in A 03.
  66. ↑ S 02; Pham; "Policeman, 2 soldiers charged in kidnapping". News 5. 11 September 2002.; "Kidnappers thwarted in 2nd snatch attempt". News 5. 11 September 2002. Soldiers' charges dropped after they explained they thought they were conducting legitimate police business (S 02).
  67. ↑ A 03; S 02; "Four prisoners wounded in escape attempt". News 5. 28 May 2002. Daley had been suspended in 2000 for beating and shooting an inmate; Ombudsman urged Daley be criminally charged (S 02).
  68. ↑ A 03; S 02; "Benque riot: 2 protestors shot, 27 cops injured". News 5. 24 April 2002.; "Benquenos search for normalcy after riot". News 5. 25 April 2002. Many officers present not trained in crowd control; government stated 'the confrontational attitude adopted by some demonstrators led to the injuries to both police officers and civilians' (A 03). Use of force excessive by 'several officers;' '[s]everal protesters' charged, but cases postponed indefinitely (S 02).
  69. ↑ A 02; "Two captured prisoners receive whipping". News 5. 4 September 2001. Corporal punishment reinstituted in prisons in February 2000 (A 02).
  70. ↑ S 01; "Two shot during protest over bus schedule". San Pedro Sun. 2 August 2001.; "Bus riders and police battle at Tower Hill Bridge". News 5. 30 July 2001. Rocks and bottles allegedly hurled after tear gas was used on protestors (S 01).
  71. ↑ A 02; "Police tactics again come under fire". News 5. 24 July 2001.
  72. ↑ S 00. In accordance with prison rules, after sentencing by a visiting judge, despite prison governor's 31 March disavowal of floggings (S 00).
  73. ↑ A 01; S 00; S 01; "Footballers charged in barroom brawl". News 5. 28 August 2000.; "Officers disciplined pending brutality investigation". News 5. 30 August 2000. District inspector James Magdaleno, assistant inspector Eli Salazar suspended; constables Roger Briceno, Mateo Carrillo, A Coc disciplined (S 00). Magdaleno reinstated; Salazar discharged for a separate case of alleged torture; Briceno, Carrillo, Coc charged (S 01).
  74. ↑ A 01; "Ombudsman cites prison officers for brutality". News 5. 19 October 2000.
  75. ↑ S 00; "Police shoot unruly fairgoer". News 5. 23 May 2000.
  76. ↑ S 00; "Escaped prisoner shot, captured by police". News 5. 4 April 2000.
  77. ↑ S 00; "Prison protest leaves one dead, several injured". News 5. 17 March 2000.; "Former inmate tells about prison shooting". News 5. 31 March 2000. Plus one inmate fatally shot (S 00).
  78. ↑ A 01; S 00; S 01. After sentencing by a visiting judge (S 01). Corporal punishment reinstituted in prisons in February 2000, but 'used retrospectively as a punishment for crimes committed before it was introduced' (A 01). Minister of Prisons voiced support for and approval of the floggings (S 00). The newly reappointed prison governor stated on 31 March that floggings were necessary but would be dispensed with during his governorship (S 00).
  79. ↑ S 00; "BDF soldier shot by police". News 5. 14 February 2000.

References

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