By Breaking Belize News Staff: The Belize Police Department has launched an internal investigation into a viral video showing an officer placing a man in a chokehold during an arrest in Unitedville, Cayo District.
During Monday’s press briefing, Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith explained that chokeholds are classified as deadly force under the department’s policies and procedures manual, comparable to discharging a firearm or striking someone in the head with a baton.
Smith said such force should only be used as a last resort when there is an imminent threat of death or grievous bodily harm. The internal investigation will determine whether the officer’s actions were justified under those circumstances.
She also suggested that less-lethal alternatives, including pepper spray, could have helped de-escalate the confrontation, but noted that the officers involved did not appear to have that option readily available.
The man involved has been identified as Samuel Parham, whose family has publicly questioned the officers’ actions following the October 16 incident.
Police confirmed that Parham has since been charged with grievous harm after an officer reportedly suffered a broken arm during the confrontation.
Smith said investigators had obtained additional footage showing an officer being thrown to the ground, an incident that was not visible in the shorter recording she initially reviewed.
The Professional Standards Branch is investigating the matter, and police are encouraging witnesses to cooperate as investigators seek to establish whether the use of force was justified.
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