WILLEMSTAD - In 2020, the Council for Law Enforcement conducted an investigation into the quality of the management, the performance of tasks, the cooperation and the results of the Curaçao Landsrecherche (LrC) or the national investigation team. This shows, among other things, that the quantity and quality of the LrC is not sufficient.
In addition, the Lrc does not have sufficient technical resources to carry out certain investigations, the Council writes. The LrC wishes to manage its own finances.
As far as cooperation is concerned, the investigation shows that the LrC cooperates at a local level in particular with various departments of the Curaçao Police Corps (KPC). At the interregional level, the LrC has concluded cooperation protocols with Landsrecherche Aruba and Landsrecherche Sint Maarten. At the level of the Kingdom, the LrC works together with the National Criminal Investigation Department.
Furthermore, the investigation shows that the establishment of the LrC has not yet been legally regulated after more than 10 years. In November 2020, a draft institutional national ordinance was submitted to the Minister of Justice. After approval, the institution, the organization and training plan will be adopted successively.
The LrC has not included any objectives in the annual plans regarding the number of cases to be dealt with. The Council is of the opinion that the shortcomings stand in the way of a fully operating LrC.
Formalizing the organizational embedding of the LrC in accordance with the prescribed legal procedure is important for the optimal functioning of the LrC. The composition, tasks, powers and working method of the LrC must be elaborated.
The Council is also of the opinion that the Attorney General should supervise the recording and compliance with agreements between the LrC and the Public Prosecution Service regarding the duration of the investigations.
Attracting tactical investigators and employees for the new RIO department are priorities in the area of personnel within the LrC. It is also necessary to attract financial investigators, digital investigators, file creators and analysts.
The Council is also of the opinion that, in order to prevent possible loss of capital, material resources should be purchased after recruiting specialized personnel.
Regarding cooperation with local partners, the Council is of the opinion that this cooperation should be promoted. The Council also believes that indicators will have to be established to evaluate performance and results.
In the investigation of integrity crimes, the LrC is an integral part of the judicial chain. The management of the organization comes under the responsibility of the Minister of Justice, while authority over the LrC is carried out by the Attorney General.
The LrC focuses primarily on the investigation of offenses suspected by (semi-) government officials regarding violations that (may) affect the integrity of government actions. It conducts investigations on behalf of the Attorney General. The LrC is managed through regular consultation. In addition to the management, the LrC must consist of the Tactics, Operations and Investigation Information & Support departments. However, the Criminal Investigation Information & Support department (RIO) is not yet operational, according to the Council.