Concerns surrounding Aruba police mental health responses are increasing as officers reportedly handle incidents involving people experiencing mental health problems almost every day without adequate protective equipment.
Aruban Police Union President Lito Lacle told Matutino DIARIO that officers from the Surveillance Department regularly receive requests for assistance involving mental health-related situations.
According to Lacle, these incidents create significant concern among officers because of the possibility that another serious event could occur.
“This is the problem and the greatest fear among officers working on the streets—that something worse could happen again,” Lacle said.
He said police management and the Aruban Police Union are making efforts to address the situation. However, he stressed that members of Parliament must also take responsibility and cooperate in developing measures that protect both officers and the wider community.
Lacle said police officers currently lack access to several pieces of equipment needed when responding to potentially dangerous situations.
He stated that officers do not have body cameras, protective body shields or other appropriate safety equipment readily available for use during these interventions.
According to the union president, officers should be legally and properly equipped before being sent to handle sensitive or unpredictable incidents involving people experiencing mental health crises.
Lacle referred to a serious incident that occurred in 2017 and said nine years have passed without sufficient action being taken to improve officer protection.
He called on the president of Parliament and the chairperson of Parliament’s Justice Committee to provide the Aruban Police Union with a clear explanation of what is happening.
Lacle said waiting two months for an answer may be understandable, but a delay of approximately 17 months is excessive.
With Parliament approaching the end of its recess period, he argued that lawmakers still have enough time to prepare and deliver an official response to the union.
The concerns raised by the union highlight the need for stronger coordination between police management, Parliament, mental health services and other responsible institutions.
Improving the Aruba police mental health response would require suitable protective equipment, specialized training and clear procedures for officers dealing with people in crisis.
Lacle said these measures are necessary to protect police personnel while ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive safe and appropriate assistance.
