7 News Belize

Are GSU Rough Tactics Undermining Community Initiative?
posted (January 13, 2016)

So as you heard Southside police do work along with GSU on several operations and Gentle's case was one of those where the GSU had to be brought in. Now, whenever we speak with Commanding Officer Chester Williams he always re-iterates the importance of community policing and outreach, building trust between residents and police – well, he says that's just one part of it. Today Williams told us about the duality of his policing strategy and its effectiveness.

Sr. Supt. Chester Williams - OC, Eastern Division Southside

"If you listen to the minister himself when he spoke at the award ceremony in Belmopan, he also said that what we are embarking on now is community policing. Yes we still need to have the big stick approach in the event that we have those who may wish not to do things the right way then we must that tough approach that we have to deal with them. Even as I embark on community policing, I still have my operation officers who are out there on a daily basis doing operational work, going after those who continue to perpetrate criminal acts and those who do not want to change their way of life. I believe in being reasonable and believe in giving a fair chance to people who want to change. But at the end of the day I will not allow myself to be ridden by anybody to think that, oh well Chester is soft now and I can do what I want because I can tell you, being soft is not in my nature. I try to change the method of policing that I do with a view to see how best we could work with people in giving them a fair opportunity but when they do not want that opportunity then we must take out the big stick. We cannot spare the rod and spoil the child."

Although Williams says they must exert sternness as officers – he does not believe in using brute force against anyone. He says there must be a balance between the two approaches.

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