The investigation into the high-profile Joseph Budna abduction case has been reassigned to the Belize Police Department, following a brief period under the jurisdiction of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). This shift comes after weeks of public outcry demanding an independent inquiry, a request initially supported by the government. However, Belizean law does not permit private investigations, leading to the case’s return to the police. Critics argue that this move raises concerns about impartiality, as police officers may now be tasked with investigating their own colleagues. Public Service Minister Henry Charles Usher defended the decision, emphasizing the DPP’s constitutional independence and its role in determining whether criminal charges should be pursued. Usher clarified that the DPP’s involvement is not a form of interference but a necessary step to ensure transparency and accountability. The case has sparked widespread debate about the integrity of the investigative process and the need for legal reforms to address public concerns.