Police Department Honors Top Officers During National Awards Ceremony

The Belize Police Department recognized dozens of its top-performing officers, civilian employees, community partners and supporters during its National Police Awards Ceremony held on Saturday at the Belmopan Methodist High School Auditorium. The ceremony formed part of the department’s observance of Police Week and celebrated excellence in policing, crime reduction, community engagement and public service. Awards were presented to officers from formations and specialized units across the country who distinguished themselves through dedication, professionalism and exceptional performance throughout 2025. The honorees represented every region of Belize, including the Eastern Division, Western Region, Southern Region and Northern Region.  Among those recognized were Officer of the Year recipients from specialized units such as the Anti-Narcotic Unit, Mobile Interdiction Unit, Gang Intelligence, Investigation and Interdiction Unit, Special Patrol Unit, K-9 Unit, Crimes Investigation Branch, Special Branch and Community Policing. Officers from the Gender-Based Violence Response and Investigative Units were also honored for their contributions.  Special Outstanding Achievement Awards were presented to several officers for notable operational successes, including the seizure of approximately seventy pounds of marijuana in Belize City, the swift apprehension of escaped prisoners, the rapid arrest of a homicide suspect, and the confiscation of illegal firearms and ammunition in San Pedro.  The department also recognized civilian employees who support policing operations behind the scenes. Clerks, secretaries, security officers and sanitation workers from formations across the country received awards for their commitment and service. Community members and business representatives were likewise acknowledged for their ongoing support of police initiatives and crime prevention efforts.  In addition, the Southern Region was recognized as the region recording the largest decrease in crime, highlighting the effectiveness of policing strategies and community partnerships within that area.  Several government agencies and international partners were presented with Partner Appreciation Awards, including the Ministry of Defence and Border Security, the Belize Defence Force, the Belize Coast Guard, the Customs and Excise Department, the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the United States Embassy, the National Forensics and Science Services, and the Ministry of Health and Wellness.  The ceremony featured remarks from Commissioner of Police Dr. Richard Rosado, Rear Admiral Elton Bennett representing the Ministry of Home Affairs and Enterprise, and Minister of Home Affairs Oscar Mira. Awards were presented by Commissioner Rosado and Minister Mira before the event concluded with closing remarks from Deputy Commissioner of Police Bart Jones.