Belize Police Force: When Can They Shoot?

Belize has strict gun laws and a low tolerance for gun crime. Gun ownership is restricted to permanent residents and citizens, who must undergo a thorough background check and wait up to six months for a permit. The country's police force, the Belize Police Department, is descended from the British Honduras Constabulary and was established in 1886. The use of force by police is governed by the 2011 Criminal Code, which states that force must be justifiable and used in pursuance of a matter of statutory justification. The Belize Police Department's standing orders, which set out in detail when and how an officer may use force, are not publicly available. However, the 2008 Crooks Report, conducted by a retired Jamaican Police Superintendent, states that the orders take an unhelpful approach to the complex situations officers find themselves in, particularly regarding the use of lethal force. The report recommended that a new use-of-force policy be elaborated, including basic principles for the selection, testing, acquisition, and use of firearms and less-lethal weapons.

When can Belize police use firearms?

Belize has strict gun laws and gun ownership is highly regulated. The Firearms and Ammunition Control Board is the only entity authorised to issue a gun permit, with around 800 licences issued per year.

Belizean police officers are permitted to use firearms in certain situations. According to the 2000 Constitution, a person is permitted to use a firearm:

> (a) for the defence of any person from violence or for the defence of property; (b) in order to effect a lawful arrest or to prevent the escape of a person lawfully detained; (c) for the purpose of suppressing a riot, insurrection or mutiny; or (d) in order to prevent the commission by that person of a criminal offence, or if he dies as the result of a lawful act of war.

The 2011 Criminal Code states that for force to be legitimate, it must be justifiable, and this will occur when force is used in pursuance of a matter of statutory justification. The Criminal Code also provides grounds on which force may be justified, including:

• Authority to arrest and detain for a felony crime
• Authority to arrest, search or detain a person otherwise than for a felony
• Necessity for prevention of or defence against crime
• Necessity for defence of property or possession, or for overcoming obstruction to the exercise of lawful rights

The 2000 Firearms Act states that a police officer may discharge a firearm within 40 yards of any public road or public place if they have the permission of the Commissioner of Police or have "any other lawful excuse or justification".

The Belize Police Department standing orders, which set out in detail when and how a police officer may use force, are not publicly available. However, the 2008 Crooks Report, which reviewed these orders, stated that the guidance on the use of lethal force was unhelpful and lacked an emphasis on the principle of proportionality. The report recommended that a new use of force policy be elaborated, including basic principles in relation to the selection, testing, acquisition, and use of firearms and less-lethal weapons by the police. It is not known if this recommendation was implemented.

In 2018, the Human Rights Committee reiterated its concern about "continuing reports of excessive use of force and firearms by law enforcement personnel, particularly police officers, including against minors". It called on the Belizean authorities to strengthen their efforts to combat the excessive use of force by law enforcement personnel and ensure that regulations on the use of force are fully in line with international standards.

What are the gun laws in Belize?

Gun laws in Belize are restrictive and difficult to navigate. The Firearms and Ammunition Control Board is the only entity authorised to issue gun permits, with about 800 licenses issued annually. Permanent residents or citizens can apply for gun ownership after a thorough background check and a waiting period of up to six months. The maximum calibre allowed is 9mm, with anything above deemed prohibited.

Belize has strict gun license laws, with a failure to renew a gun permit on time resulting in detention and incarceration without bail for one month. It is also unlawful to be in possession of a firearm while intoxicated, with similar consequences to breaking alcohol laws. The easiest way for immigrants to obtain a gun license is by obtaining farmer status, which is essential for protecting livestock and hunting for food.

There are several types of gun licenses available in Belize, including Special Protection, Gun Repair, Sport Hunter, Farmer, Shooting Range, Shooting Club, Firearm Safety Instructor, Heirloom Firearm, and Company Gun Licenses. All permits are gun-specific, and possessing a different gun than the one on the permit is a jailable offence. The cost of a gun license depends on the type of license and the status of the applicant as a citizen, permanent resident, or non-citizen. For example, a Farmer Gun License costs BZ $5 for citizens and BZ $25 for non-citizens, while a Special Protection License costs BZ $225 for citizens and BZ $1500 for non-citizens.

It is illegal to possess more than 100 rounds of ammunition at any one time, and gun license holders are allowed to purchase 200 rounds per year. Possession of one extra round of ammunition is considered a firearm offence and can lead to imprisonment without bail for one month. Additionally, it is illegal to take firearms or ammunition into or out of Belize.

What is the Belize Police Department?

The Belize Police Department is the country's national police force, descended from the British Honduras Constabulary (BHC), which was established in 1886 by the Burgess family. The BHC was initially a paramilitary force, but in 1902, it was made into a civil police force.

The Belize Police Department is headquartered in Belmopan and is headed by a Commissioner. As of 1991, the force was the sole organisation responsible for policing the country and managing regular immigration matters. It had approximately 500 police officers, or about three police officers per 1,000 inhabitants. The force was divided into three territorial divisions: Eastern, Central, and Western. It also had a small maritime element that operated six shallow-draft motorboats capable of patrolling coastal waters.

The Belize Police Department is divided into two main branches: Operational and Administrative. The Operational branch is headed by an Assistant Commissioner and is further divided into the following units:

• Headquarters
• National Criminal Investigation Branch – Detective Branch
• Special Branch, which handles national security matters
• Operations, which includes the Anti-Drug Unit and Uniformed Operations (the Gang Suppression Unit and the Mobile Interdiction Team)
• Uniformed Operations, which includes Community Policing, the Special Patrol Unit, and the National Traffic Branch

The Administrative branch is headed by the Deputy Commissioner and includes the following units:

• Management Services
• National Prosecuting Branch
• Planning Unit and Inspections
• Chaplain, Welfare and Sports
• Police Information and Technology unit (PITU)

Police officers undergo training at the Police Training School in Belmopan. Recruits study general police duties and procedures, criminal law, evidence, traffic management, and firearms in sixteen-week programs. Senior police officers attend a ten-week command course run by the British police in Britain. Police officers perform their regular duties unarmed, although arms may be issued for special duties or in cases of extreme necessity.

What are the police training procedures in Belize?

The Belize Police Department is the country's national police force. It is headquartered in Belmopan and headed by a Commissioner. The department is divided into two main branches: Operational and Administrative, each headed by an Assistant Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner, respectively.

The police training procedures in Belize are as follows:

Recruitment

To be eligible for recruitment, a candidate must be of Belizean nationality, at least 18 years old, at least 5 feet 4 inches tall, with a build proportionate to their height, have good eyesight and hearing, and have no gross deficiencies in their teeth. They must also pass a medical examination and a drug screening test.

Recruits are required to take a written entrance examination, unless they possess a certificate of education that exempts them from this requirement. They must also appear before a selection panel of two or more senior officers and complete a series of exercises to determine their suitability. They are required to produce their birth certificate, and if married, their marriage certificate.

Background Checks

Enquiries are made into the character and background of the candidate, including criminal record checks and vetting enquiries.

Training

Once accepted, new recruits are posted to the Police Training Academy for an initial twenty-week training programme. Recruits are required to reside at the academy throughout their training, though weekend leave is granted from time to time. The training programme involves regular progress tests, and any recruit who fails a test twice will be required to leave the service.

During the initial training, recruits are attached to the Patrol Branch, Eastern Division, for one week for familiarisation. During this time, they are accompanied by an experienced police officer and do not perform duty unaccompanied.

On completion of training, recruits are taken on the strength of the Department as Police Constables on a two-year probation, during which time they may be posted to District Stations and Formations for duty. Probationer Constables may be required to return to the Training Academy for a final course before confirmation of appointment.

Probation

During the probationary period, confidential reports on Probationer Constables are completed every three months by the NCO appointed to supervise their progress and their commanding officer. All Probationer Constables will be reported on before confirmation of appointment.

Confirmation of Appointment

The officer in charge of the District or Formation will indicate whether the probationer has reached a sufficient level of competence and ability to merit confirmation of appointment. Confirmation may be deferred if further time is required for the probationer to reach a satisfactory standard.

Re-joining After Previous Service

Individuals who have previously served in the Department and voluntarily resigned may be considered for re-enlistment, but they may have to repeat a period of training and revert to the bottom of the relevant pay scale.

Transfers from the Belize Defence Force

Members of the Belize Defence Force who have completed their contracted service may be considered for appointment to the Belize Police Department. They will be required to satisfy police educational and physical entry standards, including drug testing, and if selected, undergo police recruit training or other suitable courses according to their training and experience in the Defence Force.

Policies & Procedures Manual

In 2020, the Commissioner of Police approved the newly created "Belize Police Department Policies & Procedures Manual". This manual was drafted by members of the Belize Police Department in partnership with ICITAP's Mission Advisor in Belize, and is a significant step towards professionalising policing in the country. The manual includes sections on the Police Commissioner, the Ministry of Health, and the Police Commissioner's legal team. It is intended to be incorporated into Belizean law, to enhance adherence to the policies by all police officers and future Commissioners.

What are the police uniforms like in Belize?

The Belize Police Department is the country's national police force. It is descended from the British Honduras Constabulary (BHC), which was established in 1886. The BHC was initially a paramilitary force, but in 1902, it was made into a civil police force.

The current uniforms for sergeants and lower ranks in the Belize Police Department are similar to those of British police forces. They consist of khaki shirts, blue serge trousers with a green seam on both sides, and dark blue peaked caps. Some police investigators are not required to wear uniforms.

Frequently asked questions