Police Record Kiosks to Be Installed Across Belize for Easier Access

The Ministry of Home Affairs is preparing to roll out kiosks at police stations across the country, where members of the public can apply for police records. As we reported earlier this month, the Ministry has digitized the process for applying for police records, which is a requirement in processes such as applications for jobs and travel documents. During yesterday’s budget debate, Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa said that the kiosks were rolled out to assist those who may not have internet access. We note that while Musa said the machines have already been rolled out, some stations such as Precinct 2, do not have theirs in place.

Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs: “Just last week our ministry in conjunction with the Ministry of E-Governance launched another major digital service, the Criminal Records Registry Online portal. For the first time in Belize’s history, citizens will be able to apply for, pay, and receive their police certificates of conduct entirely online from the comfort of their home. This innovative service reduces wait times and lines at police stations and enhances transparency and user trust in the system. And to ensure inclusivity, Mr. Speaker, we have equipped 10 police stations countrywide with digital kiosks to serve individuals who might not have internet access or who might not be tech savvy, so to speak. These stations are located in Corozal, Orange Walk, Belize City at Precinct 2, San Pedro, Belmopan, San Ignacio, Benque Viejo, Dangriga, Independence, and Punta Gorda. This initiative, Mr. Speaker, is fully funded by the Government of Belize and is being implemented in collaboration with the E-Governance and Digitalization unit. It reflects a major shift towards citizen-centric service delivery and digital equity. Mr. Speaker, we are also addressing a long-standing gap in criminal investigations by rolling out interview recording systems in six major hubs throughout the country, funded by the U.S. Embassy. These installations will ensure that criminal interviews are conducted and preserved according to international best practices, protecting both investigative integrity and the rights of all parties involved.”

The Online Criminal Records Registry (CRR) system was launched on May 15 in collaboration with the Ministry of E-Governance.