There are many youth caught up in the gang life, but that doesn't mean the law should treat them like hardened criminals. Sure, it is hard to separate the person from the crime but that's what police and other officials have to do when they encounter a minor in conflict with the law.
Today, 15 law enforcement officers received certificates for completing a 2 week training in child rights and protection. We were there for the closing ceremony. Here's more.
Cpt. I. Locario, Training in Child Protection
"As security forces and first responders it is of utmost importance that we understand the mind of our young people. The train the trainers course lasted for two weeks which within we looked at the child, justice for children, child rights legislation, child justice actors, interviewing, witness, those at risk, those in conflict with the law, liberty, crime prevention and ethics on how we as security forces officers should behave remembering that it takes the whole village to raise a child."
Brig. Gen. Steven Ortega, BDF Commander
"Some of the topics covered in a broad sense is the child and by this I mean understanding the development of a child's brain and the adverse effects such as neglect, trauma, abuse can have on their development. You also touched on the 5 c's on positive youth development that is competence, connection, confidence, character and contribution/caring. We as security forces have a critical role to play in the system along with the other departments such as the courts, human services, legal assistance, the ombudsman, custodial institutions and other NGO's. We all have a part to play in the protection of our children."
Sgt. Samuel Gladden, Instructor, Police Training Academy
"In Belize we have some youth who have not reached the age of 18 but their size, their looks, their demeanor we would interpret it different and say mein these guys are men and you know we have a tendency to say if you are big enough to pick up a weapon you are big enough to take lick but we must bear in mind they are still children."
"We need more training like this and I think that is why they did the train the trainers so we can pass it on and because I am an instructor at the academy it is good for us when we have recruitment we can start from that stage."
The Belize police department, BDF and UNICEF partnered to conduct this training.
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