Belize Police Officers Sharpen Skills in Defensive Tactics Training Program

Monday, October 14, marked the beginning of the second week of the “Train-the Trainer” course for the Belize Police Department’s Defensive Tactics Team. The training, currently in its third cohort has brought together officers from the southern formations, including Punta Gorda, Placencia, Seine Bight, Independence, Hopkins and Dangriga, alongside those from the Eastern Division and the National Police Training Academy. Out of the 33 officers who initially began the training, 24 were selected to proceed to the next phase. The selection process was based on an intense physical agility assessment and evaluation of their mastery of defensive techniques, also considered their attitudes and overall performance. The officers participating range in rank from constable to corporal, and they will continue their training for another three weeks of rigorous physical and theoretical sessions. The second week of the course will focus on perfecting basic defensive tactics. The participants will re-learn essential techniques, such as stances and movements, ground control, control holds, systematic searches, and quick cuffing methods. The goal of the course is to ensure that police officers are equipped with the skills necessary to maintain both their own safety and the safety of the public during interactions.