Police Department Overhauls Mental Health Training for Officers

To support the mental health of police officers, the Belize Police Department is embarking a comprehensive review and update of the Police and Mental Health Training Manual, originally developed in 2007. The initiative is being conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Health & Wellness’s Mental Health Unit and the Pan American Health Organization. The process has already begun with a series of vital meetings aimed at ensuring that the revised manual accurately reflects current best practices and addresses the specific challenges encountered by both mental health professionals and law enforcement personnel in Belize. These discussions brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry’s Community Treatment Program, staff from the Western Regional Hospital, and officers of various ranks from the department. Deputy Commissioner of Police Bart Jones told Love News that the review of the manual forms a part of the greater push by the department over the past few years to place greater emphasis on human rights in policing. 

Jones says that the “Training of Trainers” program for police is expected to commence in June.