Police Commissioner Defends Integrity of Promotion Process

Questions have been raised in recent days over this year’s police promotions, with allegations circulating that some officers who were elevated in rank neither passed the required promotional examinations nor, in some cases, even sat the exams. The claims were put directly to Commissioner of Police Dr. Richard Rosado today, who firmly rejected the allegations and defended the integrity of the promotion process within the Belize Police Department.  Commissioner Rosado explained that promotions are not based solely on examination results but are guided by a comprehensive evaluation process.

Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police: “Sometimes you have to stop listening to stupidity. There is a process that within that is regulated within the Police Act on how promotions are done. It’s initiated when an application is sent out or acceptance of application are accepted by the department. A vetting committee vets those applications, they are then shortlisted, then after they’re short listed they then move on to the promotional exam. Those who pass the promotional exam those applicants are then shortlisted to go before the promotional board. So there’s an entire process that is legislated in the Police Act.”

The Commissioner maintained that the Belize Police Department remains committed to a fair and transparent promotions process, adding that while examinations form an important component of career advancement, they are only one of several factors considered when determining an officer’s suitability for promotion.