A police constable is feeling the full wrath of social media after a most unfortunate scene caught on camera.
PC 1319 Florencio Rash attached to Precinct One in Belize City was caught apparently knocked out on the pavement at what looks to be the Belmopan bus station - his police regulation hat and handcuffs strewn on the ground. He is in front of a food stand - and appears that he may have been sitting before he passed out. Rash is seen quickly regaining consciousness, and then trying - with little success - to pick up the cuffs - which he then nonchalantly tosses into the police hat. Rash then struggles to his feet, where he starts to walk forward, and the cell phone video grapher cuts it there.
Now, we don't know when the video was taken, but we do know police got paid yesterday - and many who live out district - started their spree the minute they cashed their cheque.
Whatever the circumstances, it's caused howls of outrage at the uniformed officer - who, at best - was doing an impression of a sleeping policeman. Most viewers have concluded that he looks drunk, but a ministry spokesperson was quick to point out, quote, "we don't know if it is the effects of alcohol or drugs or medication or sickness. Let's not judge until we can confirm what caused him to be in this situation. If it was as a result of alcohol or drugs there will be no question as to his fate."
Later on, Assistant Commissioner Chester Williams told the media, quote, "since none of us can determine the situation from the 40 seconds video clip and it appears as if it's not a criminal matter, then it's an internal matter for the Police Department."
Williams later posted on Facebook, "In light of the recent video circulating with a police officer apparently under the influence in uniform and lying on the street, the commissioner of police has directed that the matter be fully investigated and appropriate disciplinary action taken against the officer. He also warned that police officers must respect their uniform at all time and are expected to display the highest lever of professionalism especially when in uniform and in public so as not to cause any unnecessary negative attention to the department."
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