WILLEMSTAD – The Council for Law Enforcement has published its annual report on the state of justice in Curaçao for the year 2024, revealing a justice system under strain from chronic staffing shortages, underfunded facilities, and unfulfilled policy initiatives—despite key improvements in human trafficking prevention and regional police cooperation.
Mixed Progress Across Justice Chain
The report highlights both progress and persistent obstacles in Curaçao's law enforcement and judicial sectors. Although the Ministry of Justice made efforts to strengthen personnel capacity in 2024, the original plan to fill 150 positions across agencies such as the Curaçao Police Force (KPC), the Landsrecherche (National Detective Agency), and the prison SDKK fell short. Only 100 full-time equivalents (FTEs) were ultimately hired, hindered by lengthy background checks, physical tests, and administrative delays.
The KPC is experiencing a steady decline in its workforce, down to about 650 employees out of a required 901, many nearing retirement age. Compounded by growing demands such as security for dignitaries and event monitoring, this shortfall severely limits the agency's operational and training capabilities.
Troubling Conditions at Detention and Mental Health Facilities
The SDKK prison has seen some improvements, including the installation of a new kitchen and acquisition of vehicles, but faces severe problems with its outdated sewage and electrical systems, leading to power outages and underutilization of cell space. Similarly, the Detox division of the Brasami rehabilitation center has been described as “inhumane,” with staff voicing alarm over hazardous conditions and the lack of trained security personnel.
The report strongly condemns these conditions, warning they may violate Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits inhumane or degrading treatment. The Council calls on the Minister of Justice to intervene immediately.
Judicial Delays and Infrastructure Failures
Significant legal and infrastructural initiatives remain stalled. The construction of a long-promised police detention center has yet to begin, resulting in overcrowding and the premature release of drug mules known as "bodypackers." A new Code of Criminal Procedure was adopted but will not come into effect until 2027 due to necessary preparations, including translations and personnel training.
Efforts to establish a forensic psychiatric care facility have also faltered. Initially intended for the SDKK, plans now focus on the Capriles Clinic, though that facility claims it is not yet ready to assume the role. Meanwhile, inadequate storage and tracking of confiscated goods remain unaddressed, leading to inefficiencies and potential legal violations.
Police Collaboration a Notable Success
Amid the challenges, the report praises regional police cooperation as a model of effectiveness. With structural funding of €3.5 million secured from the Netherlands, the College of Police Chiefs (CvK) has transitioned from project-based initiatives to a long-term strategic framework aimed at combating cross-border crime. A successful pilot project—nicknamed the "War-Room"—enabled joint intelligence analysis from police forces across the Kingdom and is set to continue.
However, full implementation of information-sharing remains hampered by the lack of a Kingdom-wide data protection law. The Council urges swift resolution, warning that delays compromise collective security efforts.
Crime and Public Safety: Worrying Trends
The report identifies a surge in property crimes: car thefts rose by 31.3% and home burglaries by nearly 38% in 2024. Traffic accidents also increased, even as the issuance of traffic fines (OPVs) fell by 23%. The Council highlights that key recommendations on traffic safety—such as the installation of surveillance cameras—have still not been implemented.
On a more positive note, homicides dropped to their lowest level in four years, with seven deaths attributed to violent crimes. However, gun-related offenses remain high, with a 56% increase in firearms seizures compared to 2023.
Progress in Combatting Human Trafficking
The island was upgraded from Tier 3 to Tier 2 on the U.S. State Department's Trafficking in Persons (TIP) list in 2024, thanks to a national anti-trafficking policy and the creation of PATH (Prevenshon di Abusu i Trafikashon di Hende), a centralized reporting and coordination center. Curaçao aims to achieve Tier 1 status by continuing to invest in shelters and personnel certification.
Council Calls for Urgency and Accountability
The Council criticizes the inactivity of a special task force created to monitor implementation of its recommendations. It argues that the lack of follow-up undermines trust in public institutions and stalls meaningful reform. Despite some successes in education and training—such as a 17% increase in student enrollment at the law enforcement training institute ORV—the overall picture remains one of a system stretched thin.
“The community’s faith in the justice system is being tested,” the report concludes. “Without immediate structural and financial interventions, progress will remain fragile, and citizens will continue to bear the cost of dysfunction.”
The full report is available at www.raadrechtshandhaving.com.
