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Police Say they Are Keeping Vidal/Williams Dispute “In-House”
posted (September 18, 2017)
On Friday night's news, we told you how the former Eastern Division South Commander, Chester Williams, sent a "lawyer letter" to the current commander, Marco Vidal, threatening a lawsuit.

It's because of comments Vidal made last week suggesting Williams had accommodated criminals in the way he policed the Belize City Southside.

The incident is bringing negative public attention to the police department since this is quarrel between two senior officers. And today, when the press asked the Acting Commissioner about it, he said that both he and the CEO of Home Affairs have spoken to both officers to keep the dispute in house, and out of the public domain. Here's his brief but candid remarks on the topic:

Deputy ComPol Noel Leal, Acting Commissioner of Police
"I personally have spoken to both officers and I have held discussions with the CEO Mr. Lovell and we are both of the opinion that they should desist and they should discontinue that type of activity in public and yes they do have their rights and they have concerns, but we have asked them not to be having this issue on social media or in public. So whatever they want to do, if they feel they must do, then let that be from them through their attorneys, but let it not be public and that is what we have asked them to do, because the CEO has indicated that he is concerned that this is not a matter for public consumption."

"I have been commander in several districts as well as my colleagues here. Each officer tend to police the way they see it as best they can. But in terms of their personal and private styles of policing I don't see any problem, because I believe they ought to be doing which is supports their work in curbing crimes and violence. But not it be a matter for public scandal. If you have a problem then let us address it and if you want to bring in attorneys or the commissioner or the minister or the security services commission, then let us settle it there and that's where it stays."

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