The Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM) has issued a rare public warning regarding a severe shortage of investigators within the Aruba Police Force (KPA). The OM stated that the lack of investigative personnel has reached a point where a significant number of criminal complaints can no longer be processed.
This declaration follows recent inquiries by AVP Parliamentarian John Hart, who questioned Justice Minister Arthur Dowers about the capacity of authorities to investigate complaints adequately. The OM confirmed the issue, revealing that several months ago, they informed the Minister via an official letter that the shortage is so severe that many cases cannot be handled.
According to the OM, sufficient capacity in the Recherche department is essential to execute investigations and criminal procedures. Without enough researchers available, investigations cannot proceed effectively, leaving many complaints unattended. The OM explained that the warning letter became necessary because they are increasingly unable to explain to citizens why their complaints cannot be taken up for investigation.
The OM warned that this inability to process complaints erodes public trust in government institutions and the justice system itself. “This breaks the citizen’s confidence in the government,” the OM declared. The statement provides a rare glimpse into the internal challenges facing Aruba’s justice chain.
