On November 6, 2026, the Belize Police Department announced that a law enforcement officer stationed in San Pedro Town has been suspended without delay, following the emergence of disturbing footage that captures the officer forcing his service weapon inside a civilian’s mouth during a public interaction. The suspended officer, assigned to the specialized GI3 unit, is one of two members of the force now facing dual probes that span both criminal liability reviews and internal disciplinary proceedings, according to official statements from ASP Stacy Smith, a spokesperson for the department. In an official public comment, Smith emphasized that the force “unequivocally condemns the conduct depicted in this video,” rejecting any suggestion that aggressive, unregulated use of force against members of the public is acceptable under any operational circumstances. While confirming that formal investigations into the on-duty conduct of both involved officers are already underway, Smith declined to release additional granular details about the identities of the personnel or the exact circumstances that led to the filmed confrontation, citing the need to preserve the integrity of the ongoing probes. The senior police official went on to reaffirm the department’s core operational stance: it will offer full, unwavering backing to every officer who executes their duties strictly within the boundaries of national law and established police protocol, but any personnel who overstep those legal limits will face full accountability for their actions. Smith also issued a public advisory to residents who have experienced alleged instances of police misconduct in the past, urging them to submit formal reports directly to the force’s Professional Standards Branch or the Office of the Commissioner of Police, rather than only sharing their grievances via social media or independent media outlets. The spokesperson specifically pushed back against any misperception that the existing state of emergency currently in effect across select regions of Belize grants law enforcement personnel unrestricted, unaccountable authority. “Whilst it is that we are under a state of emergency in certain parts of the country, that is by no means a carte blanche for police officers to conduct themselves in ways that do not benefit the country or paint the department in a positive light,” Smith stated firmly, reinforcing that adherence to ethical, legal policing standards remains non-negotiable even during heightened public safety operations.