The Caribbean Netherlands Police Corps (KPCN) is launching a renewed complaints procedure effective January 1, 2025, which aims to strengthen the trust between citizens and the police. This procedure strives for transparent and professional handling of complaints, carefully safeguarding the interests of both citizens and police personnel.
The renewed complaints procedure allows citizens to file complaints in a structured and accessible manner. The process consists of two phases: an informal resolution through mediation and, if necessary, a formal review involving an independent complaints committee.
A New Approach to Complaint Handling
- Submission and Intake: A complaint is recorded and discussed with the complaint coordinator.
- Informal Complaint Handling: A mediation meeting between the complainant and the involved police officer(s) provides an opportunity for resolution and mutual understanding.
- Formal Complaint Handling: If mediation is insufficient, the complaint is investigated by an independent complaints committee, which advises the police chief.
- Decision and Follow-Up: The police chief assesses the complaint and communicates a reasoned decision to all parties involved.
What Does This Mean for Police Officers?
The new complaints procedure allows officers to be heard in a safe and respectful environment. Complaints are not viewed as a punitive measure but as a valuable tool for improving work processes and affirming professional conduct. In case of a justified complaint, measures will be taken to prevent similar situations in the future. For unfounded complaints, the correct actions of the officer are acknowledged, and the process helps the complainant understand the polices work better.
Police Chief, Mr. Alwyn Braaf: “Complaints provide a significant opportunity to learn and strengthen trust between citizens and the police. This renewed complaints procedure emphasizes our commitment to transparency, professionalism, and the continuous improvement of our services. We want to show citizens that their voices are heard while ensuring fair and respectful handling for our personnel.”
The Importance of the Procedure
The complaints procedure is not only focused on resolving incidents but also on increasing mutual understanding and utilizing complaints as learning moments. This contributes to a higher quality of police actions and strengthens trust in the police organization.
More Information and Filing Complaints
Citizens can submit their complaints via the digital form on the KPCN website. More information about the procedure can be found here.
With this renewed complaints procedure, KPCN takes an important step towards further professionalization of complaint handling, benefiting both citizens and personnel.
Contact the Caribbean Netherlands Police Corps
Useful phone numbers, when to call which number?
If every second counts: emergency number 911 or 112 (free)
If you want to provide a (anonymous) tip: tip line (+599) 9310
The police station on your island, if it’s not an emergency:
Bonaire (+599) 715 8000 or 717 8000
Saba (+599) 416 3737
Statia (+599) 318 2333