Financial Crime World

Belize Sees Decline in Suicides, Increase in Road Traffic Fatalities and Incarceration in 2022

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The Belize Police Department has released its annual crime statistics for 2022, revealing a decline in suicides and an increase in road traffic fatalities and incarceration.

Suicide Rates in Belize

According to the data, there were 37 reported suicides in 2022, a decrease of 15.9% compared to the previous year. While male suicide rates decreased by 25%, female suicide rates increased by 27%. The Belize District accounted for 29.7% of all suicides, followed by Toledo and Cayo districts.

Breakdown of Suicides by Gender

  • Female: 27% increase in suicide rates
  • Male: 25% decrease in suicide rates

Road Traffic Fatalities in Belize

Road traffic fatalities saw an increase in 2022, with 73 recorded deaths on the country’s roads. The Cayo District was hardest hit, accounting for 21 of those fatalities, followed by the Belize District with 18.

Breakdown of Road Traffic Fatalities

  • Males: majority of victims were males, most between the ages of 20-39
  • Vehicles involved:
    • Motorcycles: largest number of road traffic fatalities
    • Four-wheeled vehicles: second highest number of fatalities
    • Pedestrians: third highest number of fatalities

Incarceration Rates in Belize

Incarceration rates also saw an increase in 2022, with a total of 1,199 inmates at the Belize Central Prison as of December 31st. The majority of convicted inmates were males, aged between 18-45 years old.

Breakdown of Convicted Inmates by Sex and Age Group

  • Males: 82% between ages 18-45 years old
  • Females: 64% between ages 18-35 years old

Crimes Committed by Those in Prison

The most common crimes committed by those in prison were for:

  • Crimes of dishonesty
  • Sexual offenses
  • Violent crimes

Concerns and Recommendations

These statistics have raised concerns among law enforcement officials and citizens alike, highlighting the need for increased efforts to address these pressing issues.

Statistics at a Glance

  • Suicides: 37 reported cases, a decrease of 15.9% from the previous year
  • Road traffic fatalities: 73 recorded deaths, an increase of unknown percentage
  • Incarceration rates: 1,199 inmates in Belize Central Prison as of December 31st

Sources

  • Belize Police Department through the Joint Intelligence Coordinating Center
  • National Forensics Science Service
  • Belize Central Prison/Kolbe Foundation