2025 Had One Less Murder, Says ComPol Rosado

Belize recorded a slight reduction in murders in 2025, according to Commissioner of Police Dr Richard Rosado, even as public fear remains high following a violent end to the year and a violent start to 2026.

Rosado said police figures show 91 murders in 2025, compared to 92 in 2024. “ it’s a reduction of one, approximately 1.1%,” he added.

Rosado pointed out that police figures are based strictly on investigative findings. He said, “Our statistics are showing that there are 11 murders for the month that you are stating, and our statistics are based on what the investigators have uncovered and whether it falls within the definition of murder.”

Addressing public fear following the recent cases of shootings, particularly in Belize City, Rosado said police are using all available tools to respond.

“I understand the fear. I understand what the public is going through, and we are doing all that is possible,” he said.

According to Rosado, the police department is implementing an expanded use of technology, including cameras, licence plate readers, facial recognition and analytical tools, to improve crime prevention and investigations.

Rosado added that crime prevention requires public cooperation, stating, “We need the community; we need the business owners to assist us in helping to prevent any incident from happening because the business owners play a critical role also.”