National Security Strategy of Belize 2. Reduce violent crime and dismantle local, cross-border, and trans-national criminal networks “ Strategic Concept: Criminal activities undermine the social and economic well-being of Belize. In order for Belize to bring crime under control and dismantle criminal networks, it needs to improve its intelligence capabilities with improved manning, logistical support, and information sharing with other countries throughout the region. It also requires better coordination of the intelligence gathering arms of the Security Forces in disseminating their intelligence to an Intelligence Fusion Centre to ensure a better flow of intelligence. Addressing social issues such as poverty, unemployment, education, and housing, will provide viable alternatives to illegal activities. Actions that target criminals and their activities will have a serious effect on criminal activity and revitalize the rule of law. Drug trafficking represents the greatest threat from serious and organized criminal networks because drugs offer sufficient profit at each stage of the trade. To counteract the prevalence of drugs the strategy is five-fold: promote demand reduction by sensitizing our youths to the evils of drugs; eradicate local marijuana production; interdict drug smugglers who use Belize as a transshipment point; go after the ill-gotten gains of those involved in illegal activity and offer meaningful rehabilitation to those who abuse drugs. “ Strategic Action: • • A properly resourced, properly trained and motivated Police Department that commands respect and respects the human rights of all citizens; An enhanced CYDP and YFF that provide viable alternatives to criminal activity through improved economic opportunities and social programs including rehabilitation focusing on youths; The Strategy 15