National Security Strategy of Belize • • • • • 3. A poverty elimination strategy that specifically targets marginalized communities on the Southside of Belize City; Develop and support initiatives to protect the rights of children to eliminate physical and sexual exploitation of children; A Witness Protection Program; Develop a gun buyback program possibly administered by Crime Stoppers Belize; Strengthen Canine (K-9) Unit for detection of firearms and explosives. Strengthen the criminal justice system and ensure respect for the Rule of Law “ Strategic Concept: An independent judiciary is the cornerstone of the criminal justice system and serves as a guarantor of individual freedoms and equal treatment of all Belizeans regardless of their ethnic background, gender, religion, or political beliefs. The strengthening of the relationship between law enforcement agencies and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution is essential. It is also necessary to improve the investigative capabilities of law enforcement with a view to investigating and successfully prosecuting illegal activity. This will foster public confidence in the system and, at the level of the individual, respect for and simple obedience to the law. These efforts require support through education programmes directed at the youth. “ Strategic Action: • • • • • • • • • Develop a “Gun Court” to deal fairly and swiftly with crimes involving the possession or use of guns and ammunition; Establish a witness protection program; Develop a National Ballistics Identification System; Enact a citizens charter to protect the rights of citizens; Develop a victim support services unit in the Police Department; Provide professional legal and investigative training to the Police Department; Establish a Modern Forensic Laboratory with a National Ballistics Identification System and a National DNA Identification System; Encourage high levels of coordination between the BPD and the DPP; Promote respect for the rule of law through a Public Awareness Campaign and continuous education of the public; The Strategy 17