7 News Belize

Police Min. Of State Disputes Media Crime Numbers
posted (January 8, 2018)
The police are expected to release the official crime statistics within the next week. And as we Indicated last week, there is a discrepancy between our official murder count for 2017, and the police figure - which is certainly influenced by the Department not wanting to reach the figure of 145 - which would be a tie for the most deadly year in Belize's history.

The subject came up in the house on Friday - and here's comment from both sides of the floor:...

Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition
"Unfortunately last year, according to different news organs including channel 7, there were 145 people who were murdered. When you look at the record since the UDP was elected in government in 2008 approximately 1,000 Belizeans have been murdered. It seems that the government still has been unable to come with a comprehensive plan as to how we're going to tackle this matter."

Hon. Elodio Aragon, Minister of State, Home Affairs
"In 2016, we have 138 murders. In 2017, we've had 142 Murders. That is the official statistics from the police department and that will be an issue to the public on our press conference next week. Also, they will address other issues that the media have concern in terms of the disparity between what the media says is the amount of murders and what the police say is the amount of murders. Yes, we've had 4 murders more. The reality is that we have to continue to work to deal with this situation and I want to assure you all that within the next week or so, we'll be highlighting the introduction of a special task force which will entail of senior investigators to go after the persons who are involved in these crimes that are taking place in the city. Especially the city, so we can address this situation."

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