Extra officers needed longer to support Bonaire police force
KRALENDIJK – The Caribbean Netherlands Police Force (KPCN) will remain dependent on support from European Netherlands for the foreseeable future. The deployment of twelve officers from the National Police and Royal Military Police has been extended until early 2027. The Ministry of Justice and Security is examining whether the support will need to be extended or expanded again after that.
This was stated by the cabinet in response to the 2025 State of Law Enforcement in the Caribbean Netherlands. The additional officers have been deployed since February 2025, primarily to maintain emergency response services on Bonaire.
The cabinet acknowledges that KPCN staffing levels remain vulnerable, while demand for police services continues to grow. A permanently flexible deployable support team is among the options being considered. Work is also underway on a multi-year staffing forecast and a vision for the future composition of the force.
New officers in training
In recent years, eighteen newly trained officers have joined the KPCN. Currently, eleven recruits are completing a training programme expected to conclude in spring 2027. In addition, five new recruits began their training in August and are set to join the force at the end of 2028.
The cabinet is making additional funding available to structurally improve staffing levels. The House of Representatives will receive further information on this in the first half of 2027.
Possible prison expansion
The capacity of the Caribbean Netherlands Custodial Institution on Bonaire also remains a point of concern. Although there is currently no acute shortage, the cabinet warns that pressure could increase rapidly. The Government Real Estate Agency has developed two options for expanding the prison facility.
Additionally, a study is being conducted into whether a minimum-security unit could be established, allowing detainees to gradually reintegrate into society. Due to low occupancy, an alternative or broader purpose is being sought for the Adelanto reintegration project run by the Krusada Foundation.
Juvenile crime and domestic violence
The cabinet also aims to gain better insight into juvenile crime in the Caribbean Netherlands. A feasibility study is being conducted into the development of a digital dashboard incorporating data from the youth criminal justice chain.
New legislation is being developed to address domestic violence and child abuse. This includes the introduction of a temporary restraining order and an expansion of the criminal liability for psychological abuse.
Read the letter from the Ministry of Justice and Security here
