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IMPACT ON SOCIETY
In Belize City, when people do not get full or clear information about crimes, many become scared and worried. After shootings, messages on WhatsApp often spread faster than official police reports, and some of the information may not even be true. This can make people feel unsafe even when crime rates are going down, like in 2025 when major crimes were slightly lower than in 2024.
The police are now trying to improve trust by sharing more updates and working closely with communities. This same problem happens in other
Caribbean countries like Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana, where rumours often spread before police statements and cause fear.
When police do not communicate properly, people may stop trusting them and think information is being hidden. However, when police talk directly with citizens through meetings, radio shows, or WhatsApp groups, communities feel safer and better informed.