2013 — Application of police force in Curaçao

This study provides insight into the activities that must be undertaken before and after the use of police force. The knowledge level of police officers, including members of special units, regarding the use of force (Article 6, paragraph 1, of the Police Service Regulations) is subject to improvement. Insufficient training is provided. The handling of incidents involving the use of force is not in accordance with the service regulations. Due to unfamiliarity with the procedures, the use of force is not reported in compliance with the regulations. There are bottlenecks in the criminal handling of incidents involving the use of force, such as understaffing in the Bureau of the Police Investigating Internal Affairs (BiZ), inadequate registration of the use of force, and lack of clarity regarding the involvement of Landsrecherche Curaçao (LrC). The disciplinary process faces delays, resulting in some disciplinary offenses going unpunished due to the expiration of a reasonable time limit. There is no independent and impartial body investigating police use of force.