Police Week Open Day Highlights Wellness Resources for Officers and Families

As Police Week celebrations continue across the country, today’s focus shifted from law enforcement to wellness and community support. The Belize Police Department hosted an Open Day at the Raccoon Street Police Station, bringing together officers, service providers, and community partners to showcase resources aimed at improving the well-being of police officers and their families. Love News reporter Zayna Augustine attended today’s event and filed this report.

Zayna Augustine, Love News: The Raccoon Street Police Station was a hub of activity today as members of the Belize Police Department, partner organizations, and members of the public gathered as a part of the ongoing Police Week celebrations. Several internal and external organizations were on hand to provide information and services aimed at protecting the well-being of families. Attendees were able to learn about a variety of programs designed to address physical, emotional, financial, and professional safety. Adding to the festive atmosphere was live entertainment from the Belize Police Uprising Drum Corps, along with opportunities for officers and visitors to interact with the participating organizations. Corporal Cara Kisling spoke to Love News about the support services available within the department and what we can expect from the initiative.

Corporal Cara Kisling, Belize Police Department: “From the Eastern Division we have TPU which is the Tourism Police Unit, we have the Leadership Intervention Unit. We also have the Gender Based Unit, GI3  Gang Intelligence Unit, the ANU Anti-Nacotics Unit, the camera room which is the public safety unit. We also have the PSB, which is a Professional Standard Branch, traffic unit also is there. We have the prosecution branch. We also have the community oriented unit, the CIB unit along with their drummers.”

Zayna Augustine, Love News: Superintendent Deanne Augustin also explained that the event forms part of a broader effort by the department to take a holistic approach to supporting officers, bringing together both internal and external organizations to provide resources, guidance and assistance that address the various needs of police personnel and families. 

Superintendent Deanne Augustin, Belize Police Department: “As we all know we have the police week starting from the 14th to the 20th. So a part of today’s activity has to do in line with Police Week. Again, as we have our police mission statement with the police and the community, so today we have the police officers showing the different services that we provide and also to show that we are not fighting crime alone and so we have invited other partner agencies to be here. So it’s us showing what we bring to the table and what the partner agency brings.”

Zayna Augustine, Love News: Police Week activities continue throughout the country with a series of outreach initiatives, community engagements and recognition events aimed at strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Officials say the wellness fair reflects the department’s commitment to supporting its officers both on and off the job while reenforcing the importance of partnership that contributes to the overall well-being of the police force.