Commissioner Rosado Denies Retaliation in Officer’s Transfer to Mahogany Heights

Commissioner of Police Dr. Richard Rosado has moved to address public concerns surrounding the recent transfer of a police constable from the GI3 unit to the Mahogany Heights Police Station, firmly denying that the decision was driven by any form of retaliation or malice.  Speaking with Love News today, the Commissioner maintained that the transfer was strictly an administrative decision made within the operational needs of the department. He declined to discuss specific details of the case, noting that the officer has now retained legal representation.

Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police:  “Given the likelihood that the matter will proceed to court, I believe it is prudent for me to reserve my comment for that formal venue. However, what I will say is that since assuming the office of the commissioner of police, I have authorized a number of transfers and each was undertaken in the interest of the department’s general welfare and in response to the exigencies of the service.”

Renee Trujillo, News Director: So you’re essentially saying that this was in no way any kind of punishment or vendetta or any kind of retaliatory measure being taken against this officer?

Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police: “I will reiterate that a number of transfers have been done all in the best interest of the department mandate and Mr. Pou’s transfer is no different. I will also say that I did transfer a few weeks ago a number of police officers that were assigned to the Ministry of Home Affairs. These individuals were also taken based on the department’s general welfare and in response to the exigencies of service.”

Renee Trujillo, News Director: And he served as the security for the former minister of police, correct? 

Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police: “We had several police officers that were posted at the Ministry of Home Affairs and those police officers, based on the exigencies of service they were posted to several formations. While their specified time period when transfer can be done it also authorized, the regulation also to authorized the commissioner to undertake transfer based on the department general welfare and in response to the exigencies of service.” 

The officer in question was reportedly assigned to a minister’s security detail and while formally attached to GI3, had been operating out of the ministry’s office at the time of the transfer. Concerns were raised after the move became public, with the officer’s attorney suggesting it was punitive in nature. However, Commissioner Rosado has rejected that characterization.  In providing wider context, Love News understands that the Belize Police Department is currently managing an attrition rate of approximately six percent, which translates to about 170 officers leaving the force due to resignations, retirements, or other separations. Attrition simply refers to the natural loss of personnel from an organization over time.  Police officials say transfers and reassignments are routine tools used to address staffing gaps created by the ongoing turnover, as well as to maintain operational coverage across all districts.  The Commissioner emphasized that personnel movements are carried out in the interest of service delivery and public safety, and not as disciplinary measures unless explicitly stated through formal processes.  The matter remains under legal review following actions taken by the officer’s legal counsel.