Police Crackdown on Unauthorized Engagement with External Agencies

The Belize Police Department has issued a new directive reminding officers that they must follow the chain of command when working with outside agencies during investigations.

The memo, dated September 25, 2025, and signed by the Commissioner of Police, makes it clear that no officer is allowed to deal with external bodies without first getting approval from the Commissioner’s Office or an assigned representative.

This rule takes effect right away. It applies in situations where police may need to hand over items to Customs, transfer people to Immigration, or take individuals to the Income Tax Department or any other outside agency.

The order leaves no room for doubt. Any officer who breaks the rule must be reported in writing. Reports must include who gave the officer permission to act and what disciplinary action has been taken against them. The Commissioner stated firmly that “The Chain of Command must be strictly respected and upheld. Non-compliance will not be tolerated.”

The purpose of this directive is to stop officers from acting on their own when dealing with external agencies. Unauthorized actions could disrupt investigations, create confusion, or weaken the authority of the Police Department. By requiring approval, the Department is making sure that sensitive matters are handled carefully and that officers can be held accountable for their actions.

The new policy also helps protect the Department from accusations of corruption, favoritism, or irregular behavior. It sets one clear standard for all officers, making sure that everyone follows the same procedures when working with other agencies.

While this new rule may slow down some police operations, since officers will have to wait for clearance before moving forward, it is aimed at building discipline and reducing risks.

For police officers, it is a direct reminder that following the chain of command is not optional—it is mandatory.