But one thing, Senior Superintendent Gillett is not looking to get his officers is a discount on mobile data. That's because recently, city residents have been complaining that the officers that are supposed to be vigilant and on patrol are often times seen glued to their phones rather than their posts.
It's a widespread problem that seems to affect every sphere of work and private life, but Gillett is determined to undo it. He explained some steps they are taking to improve the situation.
Sr. Supt Howell Gillett, OC-EASTERN DIVISION
"Social media has taken over entire Belize and also the police officers are in the very habit of using cell phones. There is a section of police act that says if you are inattentive on duty then we can address it through the tribunal system and the use of cellphones is being inattentive. You can't serve the public if you are on your cell phone. What happens as it currently is that there is a phone that was donated by the US Embassy as I understand. It is called a CAT phone and is passed onto their superiors in a timely manner. We get that it is dual. They are using the CAT phone but they are also using social media."
"Yes we encourage officers not to use their cellphones while on duty except in an emergency but with time that will go away. We had a session this morning with officers from the southside and that was one of the main points of discussion. We want to discourage officers from using and the public is cooperating because we are getting the texts and the calls saying that officers are using their phones. We try to address it as it occurs."
Deputy Commissioner Williams also spoke on the same subject last month and said it will be monitored and if that still does not help then a complete cell phone ban will be put in place.
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