Court Confirms Dismissal of KPCN Officer for Serious Misconduct

Hans Hofstra

8 November 2025 · - leestijd 1 minuut

Photo: The BES-Reporter. Photo: The BES-Reporter.

ORANJESTAD/KRALENDIJK- A police officer stationed on St. Eustatius has been dismissed by the Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations for serious misconduct. The Court in Civil Service Cases confirmed the dismissal and declared the officer’s appeal unfounded.

The officer, who had been employed by the Caribbean Netherlands Police Force (KPCN) since 2018, was found guilty of assaulting a minor during an incident on March 6, 2024, in Kralendijk, Bonaire. Video footage showed how he forcefully pushed the head of a 16-year-old boy onto the hood of a police vehicle, even though the teenager was not resisting at the time.

The trigger for the arrest was the boy insulting a female police officer, calling her “payaso” (clown). According to the court, there was no justification for the violence used, and the officer acted in violation of official regulations. The investigation further showed that he failed to report the use of force to his superiors and did not document it in an official police report, both of which are required procedures.

A second incident also weighed into the decision. On March 23, 2024, the officer caused a traffic collision while driving under the influence of alcohol. A breathalyzer test revealed an alcohol level of 620 µg/l, nearly three times the legal limit. After the crash, he again drove off in his vehicle without informing his supervisor.

The disciplinary committee also found that the officer provided contradictory and false statements during several accountability hearings. In criminal court he was additionally convicted and given a suspended two-month prison sentence for co-perpetrating assault.

Serious misconduct

The court concluded that these actions constitute serious misconduct that can be fully attributed to the officer. “There is simply no place for non-integrity police officers within the force,” the court stated.

The dismissal remains in effect. The former officer still has the option to appeal to the Council of Appeal in Civil Service Cases.