Corporal Kenrick Bol, the Rastafarian police officer who believes he has a right to grow his dreadlocks has been placed on suspension. A letter dated February 13 from Deputy Commissioner Bart Jones says, quote, "This suspension has become necessary pending an inquiry into several instances of alleged misconduct attributed to you, some of which are currently the subject of disciplinary proceedings, which are regarded as prejudicial to the good order, discipline, and efficient functioning of the Belize Police Department." A note to fellow officers which is attributed to Bol - who was recently elected as a member of the Police Association executive - says, "I'm not gonna be discouraged, keep in mind that I only have 1 charge brought against me for almost 10 years of service with 0 convictions…"
In January, Corporal Bol received written warnings from headquarters that he was in breach of police grooming standards, and he was given a deadline of January 30th to address it.
Bol is relying on the 2021 Belize Supreme Court judgement which ruled that the Police Department's ban on dreadlocks for female officers was unconstitutional, violating rights to freedom of expression, conscience, and freedom from discrimination.
Notably, Bol was also recently elected as a member of the police association, but the Commissioner refused to swear in.
The association is scheduled to meet with the COMPOL tomorrow in Belmopan.
