Commissioner Defends Dismissal of Police Constable in Dog Shooting Incident

Commissioner Williams is standing by his decision to dismiss police constable Deandre Reid, even after the Attorney General’s Ministry said the decision was unreasonable. On May 20, 2024, Reid was on duty at the Governor General’s residence when he shot and killed her dog. Reid was eventually dismissed by the department and On September 5, 2024, he appealed the decision to the Belize Advisory Council on September 5th, 2024, claiming the Commissioner’s decision was unlawful. According to a memorandum from the Attorney General’s Ministry, Reid alleges breaches of legitimate expectation, natural justice, and procedural irregularity. He also argues that the dismissal was unreasonable and disproportionate. Reid’s appeal centers around the claim that the disciplinary proceedings were rushed, denying him adequate notice and a fair opportunity to respond to the charges against him. He argues he was not afforded due process. Today, Williams said that he feels he was just in the dismissal and that the Attorney General’s Ministry made its decision without considering all the facts.

The Belize Advisory Council now faces the task of reviewing Reid’s appeal and determining whether the Commissioner’s decision should stand.