2011 — The complaint process in Curaçao

The manner in which report activities are carried out within the KPC is not fully in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure and internal guidelines. Complainants are unnecessarily referred to another office, are not actively informed about the progress of the case, and do not receive appropriate assistance. Language problems and other deficiencies require significant corrective work. There is a reduced responsiveness on the part of the police, the rooms for taking statements are unsuitable, and referrals to support services do not take place according to the rules. Although cases with a strong investigative indication are quickly addressed, there are no clear criteria used to decide when to initiate an investigation. The Council views the proposal in the police's organizational plan to improve the reporting process positively, as well as the Public Prosecution's intention to issue a guideline for the treatment of victims. However, the Council misses concretely formulated policy goals and a workable approach for measuring results in relation to the needs of citizens when filing a report.