SPU Commander Aaron Gamboa Reassigned After Nearly a Decade

Assistant Superintendent of Police Aaron Gamboa has been reassigned after nearly a decade at the helm of the Special Patrol Unit (SPU).  Gamboa, whose name has become closely associated with the SPU, was relieved of command with immediate effect. Commissioner of Police Dr Richard Rosado confirmed that he has been transferred to the National Operations Office, where he will support the oversight and coordination of national police operations.  During Gamboa’s tenure, the SPU expanded its national reach and was routinely deployed to crime hotspots and communities experiencing sudden flare-ups in violence.  Reports suggest the reassignment forms part of wider changes within the Belize Police Department, with officials reportedly seeking new leadership for the specialised unit. Prime Minister John Briceño says he was not aware of Gamboa’s specific reassignment but understands that interim minister for Home Affairs, Julius Espat, has been pursuing changes within the department.

John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize:  “Minister Espat has been doing a number of changes. He has been shaking up the police department and we need to do some of that. We just can’t be business as usual and so I think I will have to speak with him. He did tell me, he’s making some changes, but he did not tell me who are the people that he’s changed. So I think, I’m sure Minister Espat would have a good reason why he made that change.”

Reporter: There’s this rumor that you told him to stay away from the Budna case.

John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize:  “To who ? To tell who ?”

Reporter: Espat. The Minister, not to shake things up in terms of the Budna case.

John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “Don’t listen to rumors. You could ask me the question upright “did you tell him ?” and no I did not tell him.”

Neville Martinez has been appointed interim commander of the Special Patrol Unit. He is expected to remain in the position until a substantive commander assumes responsibility.

Since assuming responsibility for the Ministry of Home Affairs on June 22, Minister Julius Espat has moved quickly to assess the Belize Police Department, strengthen its leadership and address long-standing concerns affecting officers across the country.  Espat assumed the portfolio on an interim basis after Minister Oscar Mira proceeded on leave. Within days, he met with senior police commanders to familiarise himself with the department’s operations, command structure and most pressing challenges.  In an interview after that meeting, Minister Espat told Love News that the department needed to keep pace with changing times, ensure succession and thorough reviews.

Julius Espat, Minister of Home Affairs: “We cannot solve the problems in three months. We don’t have a magic wand. But we can try to start lighting a spark.”

Reporter:  Let’s say -for argument’s sake, it’s longer than three months. Is that something you’re willing to accept? 

Julius Espat, Minister of Home Affairs:  “Talk to me after three months.” 

Reporter: Because you might actually do such an excellent job that they might not want to remove you from there. 

Julius Espat, Minister of Home Affairs: “We’re not getting younger. We have to be joined by people that have more energy. The only way it works is if you include the youths. And that’s where a lot of the frustration and the lower morale comes to. That the younger ones that are putting a lot of energy feel that they’re not getting promoted because just because. I’ve spoken to a guy that’s a regular police, for the last 30 years and he has shown me all his credentials and all the training he gets, and he’s still at the same spot. We had the same problem in the Ministry of Infrastructure and I used to sit down with the AO and say “AO why don’t you look out for each other?” He said “So what do you mean?” I said “I see this full up with people, applying for promotion or recommendation and the desk is like 10 feet high and it doesn’t come down. Why is it that you all don’t pay attention to the people within the public service that you all are responsible to make sure that if they deserve a recommendation, they get it?” And about a year after I went into his office and the file was pretty low. And you felt the difference. You felt that people, they felt that they were a part of the movement. And hopefully we can apply that same concept and hopefully it lights a spark. All you could do is light a spark and try.” 

Regular reports from the Ministry of Home Affairs show that the Minister has since taken a hands-on approach, visiting police formations and speaking directly with officers about their working conditions, operational needs and welfare.  During a visit to the Seine Bight Police Sub-Formation, officers identified the need for additional office space for the Gender-Based Violence Response and Investigation Unit and the Quick Response Team. Espat acknowledged that all the improvements could not be undertaken immediately but committed to addressing the station’s most urgent needs.  His assessment has extended to police facilities countrywide, several of which require repairs, renovations and broader infrastructure upgrades. Espat has also been seeking additional funding for basic law-enforcement equipment, while placing greater emphasis on improving morale and creating safer, more suitable working environments for police officers.  In another major initiative, Espat convened former Commissioners of Police and senior commanders in Belmopan for a first-of-its-kind consultation. The discussion drew on decades of law-enforcement experience and focused on crime prevention, police efficiency, public confidence, accountability and the welfare of officers.