Police Officer Suspended for Dreadlocks?

A suspension letter issued on February 13, 2026, confirms that Corporal Kenrick Bol has been formally suspended from active duty in the Belize Police Department.

The letter, issued through the department’s Standards and Accountability Branch, states that Bol’s suspension took effect immediately under Section 8(1) of the Police Act. It outlines that the action was taken pending an inquiry into several alleged instances of misconduct attributed to the corporal, some of which are already the subject of disciplinary proceedings. Police authorities say the allegations are considered prejudicial to the good order, discipline, and efficient functioning of the Belize Police Department.

Under the terms of the suspension, all powers vested in Bol as a police officer have been placed in abeyance. He is, however, required to make himself available to the department when called upon for the purpose of the inquiry and will continue to receive his full salary while the investigation is ongoing.

Bol, who says he is a practicing Rastafarian, has refused to cut his locks as instructed by the department.

Earlier this month, Commissioner of Police Dr. Richard Rosado told the press, “All I will say is, as a department, we take the policy compliance seriously and policy implementation seriously,” Rosado said. “In terms of that individual, we have forwarded [the matter] to the AG Ministry for his advice, and we are waiting for his advice.”