And now, the cops have sent out a curious memo - which seems to be urging police to take more of a hands-off approach, and, wherever possible, leave the mentally ill for the Ministry of Health to deal with. The memo says, quote, "it has been noted for some time now, police officers are in the habit off detaining mentally ill persons on the sole basis of assisting/facilitating access to care for treatment. Officers are hereby directed to cease and desist from this practice forthwith….the role of the police is to offer support to personnel of the health services and as such the police's response will be in aid of health professionals who need to be contacted when a matter arises that their services is required to address."

That kinds of tells cops, hands off the mentally ill - leave it to the professionals. But, that shading of meaning may lead to situations of greater danger for the public. For example, today, one woman of a Belize City address told us that she lives next to a man who appeared to be mentally disturbed.

Via messenger, she says, quote, "At 3a.m (he) lit a big fire using a mattress beside a house claiming he wants to go back to jail. Fire truck had to come and out the fire. The police didn't take him. Health hasn't arrived as yet. Now, you think I am going to go back to sleep and he just told us he planning what to do next? This man needs to be removed asap. Things need to be set in place for these types of situations."

"Since the police cannot take mental patients but only "assist" health department , where is the standby health team???? What are their numbers?"