Musa then continued by discussing the achievements that the police department has had within the last year, and what can be expected in this fiscal year.
Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs & New Growth Industries
"In 2024, Mr. Speaker, Belize witnessed a substantial reduction in major crimes, recording 1062 major crime incidents, down by 231 cases compared to the previous year. This decline, Mr. Speaker, includes a 13% drop in homicides compared to 2022 and a notable 32% decrease in murders in the Belize District alone. Over the last year, law enforcement operations have also intensified. In the year 2024/2025, 479 arrests were made for offenses including drug trafficking, illegal firearm possession, and other major crimes. These efforts led to the seizure of illegal substances and an alarming 139 illegal firearms and 3532 rounds of ammunition. Now off the streets of Belize. Mr. speaker, this reflects a 30.5% increase in arrests and seizures compared to 2023, underscoring our intensified focus on dismantling criminal networks and disrupting the flow of illegal weapons and narcotics into and across our borders. In 2025 to 2026, we will launch the Police Records Management Information Systems, replacing our SIMS system, which is somewhat outdated and has served us well. But it is time for us to step up our game. We will install interview recording systems in Orange Walk, San Pedro, Belize City's Gender-Based Violence Office, Belmopan, Benque Viejo and Punta Gorda. We will enhance aerial surveillance through our expanded drone fleet supporting reconnaissance, search and rescue, and hot zone monitoring during high risk operations. Mr. speaker, and perhaps what is bound to be the centerpiece in technology technological breakthroughs for 2025, our ministry will launch a state of the art surveillance camera center right here in the city of Belmopan. In partnership with our national service provider, BTL, we have already begun the installation of 1000 CCTV cameras across all municipalities, urban hotspots and key tourist areas. With the expected completion date for the project slated for September of 2025. Needless to say, Mr. Speaker, this will be a massive game changer for our policing infrastructure and will serve as an invaluable aid to the police in preventing, reacting to, and solving crimes through HD accurate identification."
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