Police Welcome Julius Espat as Interim Home Affairs Minister

As the Ministry of Home Affairs undergoes a temporary change in leadership, Commissioner of Police Dr. Richard Rosado today welcomed the appointment of Minister Julius Espat as interim minister.  Speaking following this morning’s National Du Di Rait Ting Awards Ceremony, Rosado said the Police Department looks forward to working closely with Espat as he assumes responsibility for the ministry while an audit is conducted into procurement matters connected to Minister Oscar Mira’s previous tenure at the Ministry of Defence.  The Commissioner noted that maintaining stability and continuity within the ministry remains important, particularly as the department continues to advance several ongoing crime-fighting and community policing initiatives.

Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police: “I had a brief discussion with him and I believe he brings a fresh perspective to policing. His perspective will be able to challenge our assumptions and create better strategies for us within the police department. I gather that he supports a more balanced approach in policing, one that encompasses combining effective policing with targeted social intervention programs. I do support that initiative because it will be ale to allow us to suppress crime today and prevent it from happening tomorrow. 

Reporter: Either way though you’re not looking to really shake things up because it’s only an interim post right now and if it is that Minister Mira were to be remove then they’d actually have to find a permanent minister.

Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police:  “I believe the leadership within the police department, whoever is the minister he will work along with them and I believe they all bring a fresh perspective that will challenge our assumptions in how we do policing.” 

Rosado confirmed that a meeting is scheduled for later today involving Minister Espat, Chief Executive Officer Elton Bennett, and the leadership of the Belize Police Department. The session is expected to provide the interim minister with an overview of ongoing operations, key priorities, and matters currently before the ministry.