Eventually, the southside commander Chester Williams had to be called in to quell the chaos. Today ACP Williams spoke candidly and courageously about the conduct of the GSU, saying they overdid it and that if the GSU can't get with their new policing program, they better stay out of the Southside.
ACP Chester Williams, Regional Commander, Eastern Division South
"Yesterday there was an incident in the Mayflower between the GSU and the elements from the Mayflower/Banal Street area and yes it is an unfortunate situation. I have spoken to the Commissioner about and the commissioner have directed that Professional Standards Bureau conducts an intensive investigation into the matter to ensure that there is impartiality in the way how the investigation is being conducted."
Reporter
"Video has been made public, showing that the GSU actually came with a lot of aggression. From what I understand at least 5 shots were fired from one of the officers, one which hit Mr. Meighan."
ACP Chester Williams, Regional Commander, Eastern Division South
"Well I would want to agree with you that I do not think that the force used by GSU was necessary and I have made that clear to them and as a police department, these are the things we are trying to rid ourselves of. We cannot be out there under one hand saying that we want to be friends with the community and then on the other hand we have other elements of the department going after people in such an aggressive manner, basically destroying all the work that we have been doing on the Southside Belize City. It had been very difficult for us to get where we are and we are at a point now where I believe we have gained significant in-rows in terms of how we work with the community and how the community respect us and I do not want us to lose what we have gained and so I implore upon that GSU that if they want to come and do work on the Southside Belize City, they can come, but they must come in a manner that is conducive to the style of policing that we do. If they are going to come in any aggressive manner and try to intimidate or caused any aggression then my advice to them is to stay out of Southside Belize City."
Reporter
"Have they been able to explain why the overuse of force was necessary?"
ACP Chester Williams, Regional Commander, Eastern Division South
"That matter will be dealt with through the investigation and Mr. Lino has been directed by the commissioner to oversee that investigation to ensure that what needs to be done is done and I am confident in the ability of Lino to do an extensive investigation and the chips will fall where they may at the end."
We are told the GSU still plans to bring charges against Tyrone Meighan.
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